From the Tao:
Bearing and Nurturing
Creating but not owning
Giving without demanding
This is harmony
Not nearly as easy as it sounds. When your life is as blessed as mine, with so many giving people in it. You would think that it would be easy to learn to give without demanding, and yet I find myself focusing not on what I am giving these holidays but what will I get? Admitting this shows that I am not perfect.
What I am is trying real hard to be better at these things. And my life is certainly full of splendid examples of people who give and give and give, with little or no expectation of anything in return. So, while I may not have much to give at this time, either because those who give to me and my family ask and want nothing in return, or need what I cannot provide. I will strive to provide what I can to those I can give to.
That means giving to my children: a loving home, comfort when they need it, education and wisdom, and examples of the way to live your life.
Giving to my wife: a loving home, support in all of her endeavors, comfort and support when she needs it, inspiration.
Giving to my extended family: support in their endeavors, thanks for all they give me, help when they call for it.
Giving to my friends: inspiration and support hopefully in their daily lives.
Those are all things I give, and my lesson is to teach myself to lessen my demands, conscious and unwitting.
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