Hat in Hand

"And there are those who have little and give it all."

This I have tried to do. Nearing the completion of the third year of this blog, though, I have asked Gwenn to do something I have had a great reluctance for; the installation of a "Donate" button. It is conspicuous over on the right hand side of the page. I find it more than embarrassing asking you for help. Truth is, I find it humiliating.

"And you receivers, and you are all receivers, assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives. Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings."

Still, this is my own particular peccadillo. And the ancient text are all consistent--'Ask and you shall receive.' So I am asking for your financial support, however little or much as you deem fitting. The humiliating aspects of asking for help are, apparently, something Life wishes me to grapple with.

"It is well to give when asked, but better to give when unasked, through understanding; and to the open-handed the search for one who will receive is joy greater than giving."

I would be that joy for you. And I would strive to rise with you on your gift, despite my inept and awkward nature toward receiving. Perhaps God has a grand lesson for me--transforming humiliation into humility.

"And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor do they give with mindfulness of virtue. Through the hands of these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth."

Thank you for smiling on me.

(all quotes from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet.)