By Marjorie Young

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That biblical teaching has been quoted for centuries. Yet, I would challenge that philosophy.

For much of my life, I was eager to share whatever I had, including money (of which there was little), but more importantly, myself. Yet, I had an absolute aversion to receiving…even something as innocent as a compliment! This likely stems from my difficult childhood. I desired above all things to control my destiny while keeping on guard against becoming vulnerable to others.

It was not until years later, while living in Japan, that I learned a marvelous lesson. It began under most trying circumstances. I received a seemingly minor injury which rapidly developed into a devastating condition. I experienced pain hardly conceived of before. Desperately going from hospital to hospital, I was able to obtain no relief, other than being dosed with pain medications which proved both ineffective and addictive.

As my torment continued, I became eventually unable to move at all, for to so proved excruciating. Obviously, I was helpless to care for myself or even my cats. I was blessed with a marvelous next door neighbor, Akiko, who is close to being an angel in human form. She took me to doctors, fed my cats, and at one point, moved me into her home.

It was during this time the stubborn blindness which had enveloped me was lifted. I was lying in Akiko’s guestroom, observing a snowstorm through an upper floor window. The sight, even through my suffering, was serene and lovely and I was grateful I might still appreciate it. I found myself reflecting on what I should discern from my current ordeal. Had ‘fate’ put me in this situation in order that I discover something? Or was it ‘mere’ coincidence? No matter, clearly this episode offered an opportunity in which to learn and grow.

And suddenly it came to me with brilliant clarity – I had to accept help as well as to give it! I required being reduced to a state of powerlessness to comprehend this. It was as if a vista had opened in my heart, allowing me to see life in a vastly different manner.
Giving and receiving were equally vital! I had always believed the ‘giver’ to be in a somehow superior position to the receiver. But now, I understood this was a false premise. If none allowed themselves to receive aid, others would be deprived of the vital opportunity to exhibit love, compassion, empathy, or generosity. We would forever remain in isolation. And so, each side equally served the other.

Once this barrier came down, myriad friends, neighbors, even complete strangers, came to my assistance until I recovered months later. And despite my adversity, this ordeal became a treasured experience…one which turned my existence into something far more meaningful and harmonious. And so I pass this on to you, as part of the blessing I received in that snowy Tokyo twilight.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please email me at: ballardpsychic@gmail.com.

Read Marjorie's past columns, here.

Marjorie is available for readings at the Ballard Sunday Market, her Ballard home, and also by phone.
Please visit her novel's website at: www.theboywithgoldeneyes.com