By: Emily Carter
Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Feb. 17, 2015
Often, while immersed in reading, certain sections resonate deeply with me, though I might not immediately grasp the reason. One such instance occurred when I revisited “Story of a Soul,” a spiritual memoir by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Recently, I finally understood why a specific paragraph lingered in my mind.
To set the scene: In 1897, Thérèse, a young woman in her early twenties suffering from tuberculosis, sat in a wheelchair in her convent garden. She had been tasked by her Prioress with writing about her childhood memories, but she struggled to find her words. As she picked up her pen, various distractions surrounded her. A Sister strolled by, engaging her in light conversation about mundane topics like hay and farm animals. Another hay worker even tossed flowers into her lap, likely hoping for some poetic inspiration. But Thérèse found herself longing to see the flowers in their natural environment, not confined to her lap.
Despite her frustration, Thérèse made a conscious effort to maintain an appearance of happiness, telling those around her that writing was a fulfilling task, even when she struggled to produce meaningful content. Her reflections underscore a vital lesson: accepting gifts with the right mindset is more important than the gifts themselves.
I remember a moment from a few years ago when my partner surprised me with a large gardenia plant because he knew it was my favorite. Instead of expressing genuine gratitude, I muttered a weak “Thanks, it’s…big.” My mind raced with worries about where to place it, whether I could care for it properly, and the dread of eventually killing it—thoughts that overwhelmed my ability to appreciate such a thoughtful gesture.
Gifts can evoke unexpected reactions within us. As Andy Warhol wisely noted, “You can never predict what little things in the way somebody looks or talks or acts will set off peculiar emotional reactions in other people.” My initial response to that gardenia was colored by self-doubt, preventing me from truly embracing and enjoying the gift. I should have focused on the joy behind the gesture, rather than my own insecurities.
It’s important to respond to the essence of a gift, a reminder I often find myself needing. If you’re navigating similar feelings about gifts or parenting, you might want to check out this insightful post on intracervicalinsemination.org.
Embracing the spirit of a gift can transform our relationships and experiences. For those interested in home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Rmany provides invaluable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Recognizing the true intention behind a gift can enhance our ability to accept it graciously. By focusing on the kindness behind the gesture rather than our insecurities, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the connections we share.
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