I don’t think I agree with that. I’ve been on both sides of the coin and felt pretty happy in both situations.
Do you recall that I said we moved to Sweden with just 8 bags. We were very poor, had just put our plane tickets on our credit card and were praying that we would be able to pay it off. I had no idea how we were getting furniture or the things we needed. DH was on a scholarship so the salary was very, very low. We had an apartment rented, but had no idea if it was furnished.
We were happy to discover that our temporary apartment was furnished. When we got into our second apartment, we had to furnish it ourselves. Now, remember this is Sweden. I couldn’t just go to Wal-mart and cheaply buy our household essentials. We were also using the bus and train as our primary means of transportation. But somehow it happened. Our friends gave us furniture, we were given a crib for the baby that was coming, two couches, a desk, a table, etc. Our friend selflessly drove us around to the stores so we could purchase household essentials. Each time someone gave us something, we felt so grateful, humble and blessed.
I look back on those days in wonder as I realize that we never would have made it without the kindness of others. We’ve been going through our stuff and invited a newlywed woman to our house to look at our stuff. Hher husband is waiting for his Swedish visa in Bolivia. Poor guy. Anyhow, we had been wondering what to do with our computer. It’s five years old, but still in good shape. I didn’t know anyone that wanted it and its not really worth anything to sell–even though it works fine. On impulse (or perhaps, inspiration) I offered it to our friend looking at the furniture. She was so overwhelmed. She’s been working so hard to pay for her husband’s plane ticket to Sweden from Bolivia. She told me she had thought that she wouldn’t be able to get a computer for a few years at least, but it is so hard to function in Sweden without one because of the banking system and other things.
As she left, she said, “Thank you. I feel so blessed.” And I knew what she felt, because I have felt the same.
I’m so glad I’ve been on both sides.
Wonderful, wonderful. So much better than a yard sale. My h usband and I are getting ready to do a purge here as we work toward some home remodelling. I’ve already given away one a shelf to a friend who was in need. No few dollars could have pleased me more. The “universe” has been so abundant in blessing us that I love being part of the process of giving.
As we depart Israel next week, after 2 1/2 year. My have we accumulated things, even though we haven’t bought much here. We are giving away many things that we know are needed by friends, mainly from the branch. I have felt so humbled by doing so. I possibly feel more blessed than them. Also, on the other side we have been blessed by many other people helping us during our time here. Service is amazing. Good luck with your trip home.
Beautiful post! I know both sides as well, being blessed by having someone offer you exactly what you need and also feeling the joy that comes from giving someone something that meant more to them than you could ever imagine.