“The Recipient”

During my recent mission trip to Honduras, I was amazed by the kindness and generosity of the people. Despite having limited financial resources, these families frequently gave us gifts. Upon our arrival, they greeted us with signs and presented baskets filled with fruits, vegetables, and coffee. Every day, they offered us soda, watermelon, or even shared their lunch with us. As we left, they gifted us a handmade Honduras key chain.

“Why do people with so little in terms of material possessions have such a big heart to give?”

Every evening during our trip, we missionaries would come together to reflect on the day's events. I remarked on the incredible warmth and generosity of the people we met. Everyone shared similar thoughts. Then, I posed a question that lingered in my mind: “Why do those with so few material possessions have such a generous spirit?” We explored various reasons for this, such as cultural influences or reciprocity. While these factors played a role, we concluded that the true motivation for giving lies deeper. It's rooted in the inherent nature of the human spirit. Giving brings more joy and fulfillment to the giver than to the receiver. As Winston Churchill aptly put it, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” People want to create a meaningful life through giving to others.

As our discussion was wrapping up, someone asked me a question that took me by surprise: “Did you accept their gift?” I paused to think. My answer was clear: I did not accept. Whenever I was offered something, I politely declined, saying "no por favor," and continued with my work. I justified my refusals by noting that I don’t drink soda and had concerns about food safety.

He then inquired, “How do you think this made them feel?” Unfortunately, I hadn't considered that. I have always been so focused on being the giver that I rarely thought about the other crucial person, The Recipient. A quarterback cannot complete a pass without a receiver, a sound system cannot play music without a receiver, and a gift cannot be bestowed without a receiver. A recipient who is open and willing to accept. I didn't allow the gift of giving to be shared because I wasn't a willing recipient.

This was one of those “light bulb moments.” My inability to be a willing Recipient has affected many people over the years. I love serving others because of the joy it brings, but my reluctance to receive gifts, compliments, or acts of service has prevented others from experiencing that same joy.

My night started with a question about the wonderful, giving people of Honduras. It is clear to me that they are this way because they understand that life is not about getting, but instead, it is all about giving. The night ended with my understanding that there are two parts to every gift and that I needed to focus on the second piece of being “The Recipient” so others can experience the fulfillment and joy of giving.