give

the only thing
we ever have
is
what we give
away.

if you must give, open your palms wide as if you're being embraced. but, if you must take, open your palms far wider so that you could embrace back.

if you must give, open your eyes wide, sensing the need or the want in someone that perhaps only you can provide at that moment. but, if you must take, because of your own need or want, open your eyes wider so that you could discern that others are needing, wanting and hurting as you do.

if you must give, open your heart wide, freely sharing what is pure and wonderful to flow from yours to someone else. but, if you must take, open your heart far wider, so that you could bless another in deep gratitude.

if you must give, open your spirit to welcoming someone into your own sanctuary, right into your own essential humanity. but, if you must take, open your spirit far wider, so that you can welcome yourself into your own humanity and thereby taking with you others needing as much warmth and welcome as you do.