Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Receiving Graciously

I just wanted to share with you a gift that was given to our oldest son last week; a gift from a husband and wife that we have never met.  Also to share a bit about my thoughts on giving and receiving.  The former has always been something that has come easily to me, the latter much harder to accept.

Remember this picture I posted here on the blog several weeks ago....

Well, they originally offered to give, yes, give Thomas a snare drum to get him started.  That is what we told him - that a generous couple, whose husband was a professional drummer, would like to ship him a snare drum. 

In the interim, through email correspondence, I learned that they wanted to get an entire drum set together for him.  I left this a surprise.

This past Friday, when UPS arrived and I sent Thomas out to help the driver, his eyes lit up as there was not one medium size box as he had been long anticipating, but two, large, heavy boxes.



And now...




We have had to set up a daily practice time, because yes, the noise is overwhelming at times, and not so plain, but it is oh so joyful.  They are realizing their passion - to write their own music and now to play in their very own rock band.

future drummer

I have realized that the joy that I receive when giving to others, needs to be reciprocal when I am on the receiving end.  I do not need to worry about the giver's motives or what they expect in return, but instead I need to be a cheerful receiver and accept the gifts because by doing so, I am giving back too.

32 comments:

  1. Hi! I have been reading here for a few months and never commented but this post has just made my morning. What a kind thing to do! What you right about receiving graciously is so true and a lesson to me.
    -Noel

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  2. What an amazing gift! Such a lucky guy!

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  3. How wonderful! I have to say, if I were the giver in this case, the picture showing the smile on Thomas' face as he's opening the box would be thanks enough. He looks so happy. :) Enjoy!

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  4. What a beautiful example to all of us to listen to that small voice telling us to share what we can as He leads us. Thanks for sharing this joy!!

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  5. I have been reading for a while, but have yet to post, but felt compelled to do so this morning. This post brought tears to my eyes! What an amazing couple....and the joy in the eyes of your children! It is so refreshing to see people doing something that brings happiness to others without expecting something in return. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. How awesome! May the couple who sent the set be blessed! It is so TRULY amazing when you give without the expectation of receiving. Looks like your guy really appreciates it too! :) I can imagine the excitement of your son...

    God bless the cheerful givers! May we ALL be so inclined to GIVE...

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  7. What a wonderful gift! That is so awesome, the Lord truely does provide!!

    Emily

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  8. What an amazing gift! Thomas's face is so full of joy. What a wonderful opportunity for him to experience a stranger's gracious generosity! :)

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  9. I am so excited to see this!!! I was very touched by your post as my hubby is a drummer. They're big, unwieldy, and unfortunately costly instruments...so pleased to hear that someone had the desire and whim to get him his own set!! Wonderful story.

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  10. Oh my, what an incredible gift. This was such a wonderful post to read. Thank you for sharing

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  11. Look at that smile! What a special gift.

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  12. how amazing, this has me in tears, wonderful, uplifting news, a gift for all, knowing the goodness of people, the generous hearts that are out there.
    Love to you all and to that amazing couple.
    happy drumming x

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  13. That is just so sweet! I am almost crying. This post and the givers of that drum set are so wonderful.

    I know what you mean about the noise level. My 2nd oldest ds started on the guitar, got an electric, then bought a drum set. He had a natural talent and used to play at our church and then his church. He gave his drum set to a family in his church that had a son who wanted to learn to play...just gave it away...it blessed them so much and my dh and I also. He then played guitar for the church and drums sometimes.

    Good luck to your sons!

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  14. How cool! We have been on the receiving end of blessings that are so humbling and amazing. It always feels like God is giving you an extra special gift when this kind of thing happens. Music is a huge part of our family too. :)

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  15. wow, this is a great story! Happy days ! xx

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  16. Wow- you are so lucky, I, too, love to give but find it harder to receive. I love making people happy, but forget sometimes that they might like to do the same to me!

    Great post :D

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  17. A wonderful gift. I too received a very generous gift recently and it just increases my faith as I feel all the goodness in life comes from God working through others.
    I think too that a gift like this shows our children that there are endless possibilities.
    Enjoy!

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  18. This is so wonderful. I'm happy for your son--he will remember this gift for the rest of his life.

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  19. Oh Tonya, this has made me so teary! How wonderful and generous, and joyful! So happy for your sweet son! He'll make such music!

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  20. Your son's happy excited face has given me such joy - thank you for sharing this with us - and so what a wonderful gift this man has given to all of us. xxx

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  21. So very true. I think the same way, about it being easier to give then to recieve, but after a lot of giving, the universe wants you to feel that feeling you talked about too. I am so excited for your future rock band...and that cutie future drummer;) You may beed a good set of ear plugs too.

    :)Lisa

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  22. Oh, there is so much right in the world, isn't there? Whoever they are, many blessings to them! And Tonya, for you and yours, a very well deserved gift! Enjoy and may your boy create music with sweet abandon!
    xo Jules

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  23. I love this post. What joy for the new drummer. What a great reminder to enjoy those gifts that are freely given. I'm sure Thomas is rocking out over there. This post definitely left me teary. Love that smile of pure happiness on his face. :-)

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  24. I, too, am teary-eyed. How wonderful! And kind and selfless -- I do hope the beautiful people who gave so freely read all these comments; they're what make the world better.

    The look on your son's face is absolutely priceless.

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  25. God is so good! This post made my day. it took me out of a funky mood.

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  26. I am sure that this gave that generous couple as much pleasure as it gives your children! It is hard to receive but I truly believe that there are people out there that give without ulterior motive and this couple be one of them! How wonderful.... enjoy the noise!!!

    Jenni x

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  27. Wonderful! I'm happy for your son and for you! It is an important lesson - to be able to recieve as well as give to others.
    Kika

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  28. I have to giggle when looking at the pictures! Were the children mailed in the box, too? LOL Why is it that little ones can make a mansion from so little??

    I adore all the grins and smiles! Best wishes and ear plugs for you and your hubby!

    ((Hugs,))

    Matty

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  29. This brought (joyful) tears to my eyes. What a gracious gift and such a grateful young man!

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