A Lesson In Receiving Graciously

--by Namaste, posted Apr 17, 2010

I often walk from work (near Pier 39 in San Francisco) to the Embarcadero BART station, where I catch a train back to the East Bay.

Several times, I passed a gentleman who I presumed was homeless. He had a lot of his possessions tied down to his bike and held a cardboard sign that said he was a vet who doesn't drink or do drugs, but would appreciate anything that could be given. He usually has headphones on and is listening to the radio. He is always minding his own business, often reading as well. I've never seen him actively "panhandling."

Several times, while I was passing him, I realized I had some food with me, so I turned around and offered him that food (most recently, a blueberry muffin). He took off his headphones, and said "Umm, blueberry muffins are my favorite!" with a big smile and a gleam in his eye. He thanked me so warmly.

The sheer graciousness and humbleness of his receiving makes me want to continue to stop by with "surprises" of food, money or other gifts. In the past, I've had homeless folks turn down the food I was offering, saying that they want only money instead.

So this wonderful gentle man being so open to receiving has been a blessing.

It also makes me ponder how open I am to receiving in my own life - am I humble and grateful when I'm gifted with something? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but rarely as gracious, humble and sincere as this wonderful man has been in receiving.

5541 Reads

Posted by Namaste
Apr 17, 2010
Comments (12)

Readers Comments

FairyBubbles wrote: That is a beautiful reminder to me about receiving. Thank you so much for the post.

wayfarer wrote: A beautiful thought and a touching story, Namaste. Makes me want to send this gentleman some muffins - all the way from Scotland!

unlucky2 wrote: Please thank the gentleman for serving our country. Its a shame that america treats their veterans in this manner.

iferlamb wrote: I am so glad you tried to offer even though you have had bad experinces in the past. So happy this was a good one! Smiles.

pmcc wrote: One thing I really like to do is to buy gift cards like from fast food places and give those to the homeless rather than money. I know it will go for food. They are usually very glad to get them.

heartofflesh wrote: I am inspired by your post and some bad experiences of the past did not deter you from from following the direction of your heart.

Do what makes your sing !
Thanks for your post!

1golddragonfly wrote: What a great lesson in accepting an offer with class and appreciation. You made him so happy, good for you!

Madhuri wrote:

It is indeed difficult to accept/receive gracefully. It extends warmth and happiness to the person giving. Actually, that gentleman was in fact giving happiness and a sense of joy. So many of us pass by the opportunity to spread happiness! Good for you! :)

ZEPHYRAKI wrote: Thanks a lot for making me remindin for what i am capable of.

Rebecca wrote: I agree with unlucky - please do thank him from me as well. We should not be throwing these fine men away when they return. It makes me heartsick to think of his heroic service and the lack of our service as a country to them.

Well done! And god bless!

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