It was while looking at the flower below, it occurred to me that 'giving can be hurting'! One petal got reduced by insects feeding on it.
Some flowers have a scent or a secretion which can harm insects. This flower above was not one of those flowers. The caterpillar and other insects seem to be feeding on the petals !
Is it possible that one gets 'dimnished' while giving !
The 'donor fatigue' that sets in when people are constantly challenged to give is a phenomenon that is well studied! The donor agencies who depend on voluntary giving, experience decline in the gifts they receive from the same donors. So they look for new donors all the time.
Giving according to one's own ability, is a protective state that one ought to stay in!
I have realised that 'burn out' experiences are more common than what we are ready to admit!
Giving is overflowing so that the cup is always full! That was why Mother Teresa, while working with people with physical, emotional and spiritual needs, practiced the habit of corporate prayer and individual prayer at fixed times of the day, to have one's life filled with peace and joy, that flows in form God during prayer times.
If giving carries a feeling of personal loss, it shall soon lead a person to a state of feeling depleted !
When giving is overflowing, giving adds to the fulfilling experience of living ! Giving, then becomes investing to enrich others!
Giving materially and self giving would then become a way of living without feeling weary!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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