I made a huge pot of veggie soup a few days ago. Barley, lentils, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes… and some “kosher for passover” stock my dad left here. And it was good and hearty and perfect for this weather. But I have been trying to force it on people for days, with no takers. Noel doesn’t really like soup (the horror!) and no one else really seemed interested. Me and my veggie soup were all alone.

And then wonderful Sue came into town on her way up to SMC, and she allowed me to share. I gave her the gift of a bowl of soup and she gave me the gift of being able to share my soup.

With some people, giving is absolutely effortless, a mutually beneficial exercise constantly unfolding. Today I’m nearly all spent, eagerly awaiting the warmth of my too-hard futon mattress. But the sunshine of one dear friend will make the day a giggly memory as opposed to a groggy one.

Sue and I then ventured to a cafe where she gave me the gift of sugary cocoa and a chocolate croissant, an order which totaled $6.66. We got two copies of the receipt and saved them. Then we gave each other the gift of conversation and listening. And then we returned home and I gave her the gift of some clothing I seldom wear, and she gave me the gift of cleaning out part of my closet, aaaaand a beautiful little Green Tara card.

Giving and receiving in perfect harmony. Genuine exchange is such joy.