Are You Ready to Receive?

As spiritual beings having a human experience, it is our nature to give. We give of ourselves consistently in many ways. We regularly offer attention, time, talent, money, love, joy, beauty, inspiration, and more. However, do we allow ourselves to receive as much as we give?

Some people love to give of themselves so much that they forget to give to themselves, which fosters feelings of emptiness and depletion, leading to depression. Additionally, when offered a gift from the Universe, they may even say, “No thank you,” and block themselves from receiving their good without realizing what they are doing.

There is a story about a terrible storm that came into a town, and local officials sent out an emergency warning that the riverbanks would soon overflow and flood the nearby homes.

They ordered everyone in that town to evacuate immediately. However, a faithful man heard the warning and decided to stay, saying, “I trust God, and if I am in danger, then God will send a divine miracle to save me.”

The man was offered a car ride, a canoe ride, a motorboat, and a helicopter rescue, but he refused every offer, claiming that God would save him. Finally, with the high floodwaters, he was left alone on his rooftop with his faith. Then, he began to plead with God, stating, “I put all my faith in you, God. Why haven’t you saved me?”  God responded, “I sent you a warning, a car, a canoe, a motorboat, and a helicopter. What more were you looking for?”

Is it possible that the Universe is attempting to answer your heart’s prayers, yet you refuse to receive your good because you are not receptive? By expecting answered prayer to look a particular and specific way, we close ourselves off from infinite, creative possibilities of Spirit. Ernest Holmes observed, “Spirit has good for me far beyond my present human comprehension.” So be open to something infinitely more magnificent than what you have imagined.

It’s time to be open at the top. This or something better. What else is possible? Receiving is as important as giving. We deserve to receive our love and affection as much as anyone. When we take great care of ourselves, it is then that we can give joyously from our overflow.

Jim Carrey stars as the main character named Carl in the 2008 film The Yes Man. Carl is stuck in a rut of negativity. The operative word for him in his life is NO. However, when he attends a self-help seminar, he learns to unleash the power of YES, leading to a series of transforming experiences for him; a job promotion, a new romance, and more! You have the power to create a life you love, but you have to be open to receive.

You can flex your receptivity muscle this week by saying yes to what comes into your orbit. Have fun with it.

And so it is.