A gift is a person telling you that you are special enough for them to think of you when you’re not in their presence, and show you that you mean something to them.

Gifts come in so many packages–material and ethereal. It could be just an email saying “Hi, thinking about you. Wondering how you are…” or someone leaving something at my doorstep. Since moving to this small town, I’ve had many gifts left at my doorstep: food from a friend’s garden, something spotted at a store that someone thought I’d like. Imagine opening your door and finding a gift on your doorstep! It’s really a great feeling.

This small community has taught me so much about giving and receiving. At first I felt uncomfortable when someone gave me something and it wasn’t a special occasion. I didn’t understand! We didn’t do that in the city–in the city, it would be kind of “stalky,” but it’s different in a small community where people really cherish each other.

I felt undeserving at first. What did I do to deserve this? Why is this happening? How do I accept it? Do I have to return the favor? The answer was no, I didn’t have to return the favor. Just accepting the gift with gratitude was enough to make the person delighted.

Each year my friends with gardens give me food all summer. How cool is that? And if you’ve never tasted a tomato right out of the ground, you’re missing out. OMG, you’ll never want a supermarket tomato ever again. These are the lovely gifts I receive. And the more you give, the more you get back. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. It’s as much fun to give unexpected gifts as to receive them!

Comment below and tell me about a random gift you’ve received–either material or not—and how it made you feel.

Stay tuned for the Appreciation podcast where I will talk about the best gift of all: Acknowledgement & Appreciation.