For it is in giving that we receive.
-St. Francis of Assisi

I think that most of the time when we hear something like this, we think of giving tangible gifts or gifts of service. But as I sit here thinking about the concept it occurs to me that it also applies to the kind of giving we give when we make ourselves vulnerable in relationship. So as I think of it just now, St. Francis of Assisi made a profound statement that applies to all aspects of relationship. What I mean is that as we are traveling through life, we encounter so many opportunities to open our hearts to others. At each opportunity point, we have a choice.

When we choose to open ourselves to receive a potential friendship, we are giving trust.

When we choose to receive a gift someone offers us, we are giving someone else the blessings that come with service.

When we choose to open ourselves to giving gifts of service or material goods, we give assistance and love -- but in this giving we receive the blessings of peace, greater love, connection and personal satisfaction.

But I have a hunch that sometimes we don't give because we don't know how to receive. Or we believe that we don't have anything of worth to give. I want to challenge that idea with the assignment I've constructed around today's quote. So if you want to receive your assignment connected with how giving and receiving are simultaneous acts, please fill in your name and e-mail address below. There it is again, giving and receiving!

The giving and receiving aspect of relationship is exactly the reason I'm so excited about Humanity Unites Brilliance, that I'm going to tell you more about this Wednesday, January 9th. To hear more about how Humanity Unites Brilliance gives so we can receive then provides us the opportunity to give again, visit www.hubhub.org and listen in this Wednesday.