We all know that one person--the one who is constantly dropping whatever she’s doing to lend a helping hand to whoever needs it; who’s always there to listen and lend a shoulder to cry on; who gives so much of themselves, without ever asking for anything in return.
Here’s the problem with being “that” person: it's hard to give when there is nothing left. Think of it this way. Our hearts are like a cup of water. When we pour out of our cup, we have to refill it, or else it will run dry. The same goes for our heart. If we constantly give without refilling, then we will eventually run dry.
Sadly, the people who always give to anyone and everyone in need are the ones most often taken advantage of. While I have felt this way from time to time, the reality of it didn’t hit me until the little boy I babysit asked me to read him “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. While I have heard this story plenty of times, from preschool to my high school graduation ceremony, it wasn’t until I was sitting on the couch with him that I realized what the story truly meant.
You see, the person who constantly gives to others is just like the tree. Sometimes it is to loved ones, co-workers, or even our friends who come up asking for something, and we give them all that we have to offer for what they need. Even though we may receive nothing from them, we’re still happy in knowing we helped out someone. That’s just our nature, and that's okay. Until eventually we give everything that we have, and we’re just merely stumps. We’ve helped those in need, but it didn’t leave our heart as joyful and happy as it once did, and we're are left with an empty cup with nothing else to give.
So to the Takers:
When you take, always be sure to refill where and what you took from. Sometimes all it takes is a sincere “Thank you,” or returning the favor down the road.
To the Givers:
Don’t stop doing what you’re doing, but always me mindful about how much of yourself that you give. Otherwise you may be left with nothing else to give.
And lastly, to the Stumps:
I often see my willingness to bend over backwards for anyone and everyone in need as my biggest downfall, but I know that it is also one of my biggest strengths. Don’t let your heart become hard or bitter towards those who have taken. Instead, always make sure that you refill yourself, until your cup runneth over.
