Question and Thought for the Day January 19, 2025

Question of the Day

Is it wrong to accept a gift if you feel like you don’t deserve it?

Thought of the Day

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

William Arthur Ward

There’s something profoundly human about giving and receiving. Both acts carry an emotional weight—one that binds us together and reminds us that we’re not alone in the world. Yet, how often do we stumble in this dance, hesitating to express our gratitude or shying away from a gift we feel unworthy of receiving?

William Arthur Ward’s words about gratitude have always struck a chord with me. Gratitude, when left unspoken, is a lost opportunity. It’s like holding onto a treasure that could brighten someone else’s day and choosing to keep it hidden. The funny thing is, expressing gratitude costs nothing but has the power to transform both the giver and the receiver. It’s a gift that grows the more we share it.

But what about receiving? That’s where the second question comes in. Is it wrong to accept a gift if you feel like you don’t deserve it?

This is where so many of us falter. We tell ourselves we haven’t earned the kindness, that accepting the gift might feel selfish or even deceitful. But here’s the thing: a gift isn’t about what you’ve done; it’s about the giver’s desire to show appreciation, affection, or care. Refusing a gift, even out of humility, can unintentionally dismiss the sentiment behind it. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to simply say “thank you” and accept with grace.

Think about it this way: the giver isn’t just offering you a tangible item—they’re offering connection. By accepting, you’re acknowledging that connection. By rejecting, you might be inadvertently rejecting the hand extended toward you.

Of course, there’s a balance to this. Accepting doesn’t mean you have to feel deserving in the moment. Sometimes, the act of receiving is a leap of faith that helps us see our worth through someone else’s eyes. And who knows? Maybe that’s the most beautiful part of all—allowing yourself to believe, even just for a moment, that you are worthy of the gift.

So today, let’s make it a point to express gratitude for the big things, the small things, and everything in between. And if a gift—whether it’s a compliment, a helping hand, or something more tangible—comes your way, try saying “thank you.” You might be surprised by how much it warms both your heart and the giver’s.