it's better to give than to receive

last week i got the urge to just get rid of things that i don't need or use. it was a combination of things that led me to feel the need - scott's blog about moving, rob's sermon about reduce, reuse, and recycle, my mom's stories about going through my grandmother's closet and cabinets and wondering why in the world she kept all that stuff, and in some ways my own preparations for my next move... i usually do it at least once a year so why not make it easier on myself the next time by getting rid of some things now?

anyhow, i went through my closet and without much hesitation filled two boxes full of clothes, purses, and shoes that i either hadn't worn or knew i wasn't going to wear in the near future. i sort of amazed myself because i just did this before i moved to grand rapids, which wasn't all that long ago, but i was still able to fill two boxes - and big ones.

the last time i went through this stuff i was still in the mindset of "well i might want to wear that dress again. how mad would i be if an occasion came up to wear this western shirt and i gave it away? this was an expensive leather jacket and just because i haven't worn it in a year doesn't mean i won't want to - even if it is too big!" well - guess what? it's been 7 months and i hadn't worn any of it... so it was time to get rid of it!

so, bo, being the helpful man that he is, put some boxes together and we loaded it up. then what? i could have just taken it to goodwill like i normally do... but, for some reason i didn't.

i came to work the next day and got on craigslist to look at what kind of books people were selling. (we have a huge collection of those that we want to get rid of too.) something led me to the "wanted" section where i found a post from someone looking for clothes in my size. the post simply said -

"i am in serious need of clothes size x-y (withheld because this is information that one just does not give unless you're talking single digits - which i haven't been since i was in 6th grade). i am not working so i have no cash to work with so the clothes will need to be free or willing to trade with items i have to offer. i sincerely pray that someone is able to help."

perfect. i whipped up an e-mail and within a matter of days i was connected with a woman who needed something that i could give her... a better feeling than one might imagine.

i met up with this woman yesterday. i handed over the two boxes (with bo's help yet again) and then refused to take the necklace that she had made to offer in exchange. she told me how she had been going through a hard time and that she didn't have much to give but that she wanted to give me her necklace. you see, she didn't have anything else to give to me and she was used to being the giver. it's hard to be the receiver...

i smiled and reminded her that it was her turn to receive... that we all go through times where we get to be the giver and then others when we need to be the one on the receiving end. i applaud her for asking for help. she could have just wallowed in her own self pity, but instead she gave me the opportunity to be the giver. it felt incredible.

only a few hours later i got a voicemail from her. "the clothes couldn't have been more perfect," she said. "if i had gone to the mall myself, these are the exact things i would have picked out. i almost fell off my bed as i went through them - i am so blessed! as i was trying on some of your coats i found some change and a few dollars - please call me back so i can send your money to you! and thanks again... i can't believe how amazing this is!"

i promptly called her back and told her to go get herself a coffee on me. "i will! a frozen one with all that whipped cream and caramel on top.," she said.

so, a few days ago these clothes were hanging in my closet taking up space. now, they're the pride and joy of someone who just needed a helping hand and wasn't afraid to ask.

now i'm wondering what else i have that someone else needs...