January 26
Just Say Thank You
A friend offers a ride, and we immediately promise a favor in return. Somebody buys the coffee, and we explain that next time is ours before taking a sip. Reciprocity is a good thing. Yet the speed of our response may suggest that receiving anything freely makes us uncomfortable. We want the account settled before anyone can see us needing something.
A.A. introduces us to gifts we cannot repay to the original giver. Someone shared an evening, a phone number, or the truth that helped us stay. Their generosity may find its continuation in what we eventually offer another person. There need be no exact accounting. Letting a kindness remain a kindness for a while can teach us something about trust. We can be appreciative without rushing to recover the position of being the one who gives, and allow our friend the ordinary pleasure of helping.
What makes it difficult to receive help without immediately paying it back?
Thank you for the coffee.
For the A.A. nerds: Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Step Twelve, p. 106.