You Are Part of an Orchestra

Giving can be hard.

When we're asked to share what we've earned, what we've worked for, there's often a moment of hesitation, a tightening of our grip on what we perceive as "ours."

We might find ourselves thinking, "Why should I give what's mine?"

These thoughts stem from a deep-seated belief that we are separate from those around us, that their struggles and triumphs are somehow disconnected from our own.

But what if this belief was a fallacy?

What if, in reality, we are all linked, our lives and fates intertwined in ways we may not always recognize?

It's not difficult to see we're connected to fellow human beings through family, economics, environment and politics.

But beyond that, we're also spiritually connected with each other in ways we may not be fully aware of.

And if we're connected to a larger system, by identifying ourselves with it, giving doesn't feel like a burden anymore. Giving is just giving to another part of yourself. More for you is more for me.

Like when cells in a body perform their role, the whole body benefits, but when a cell becomes selfish and behaves in ways that benefit themselves at the expense of other cells, that cell becomes cancer in the body.

In giving, we may not be fully aware of how we're contributing to the universe. A cell may not be aware of how it's contributing to the body physically, intellectually and emotionally. But it trusts that in doing what it's meant to do, it's fulfilling the purpose of the body.

When we give what we have, we don't have to calculate how we're benefitting. We're doing it out of a sense of trust and surrender that what we give is contributing to the larger purpose in ways we cannot imagine.

Charity doesn't feel like charity anymore. It's like participating in a large orchestra where we are doing our part in the service of the whole. 🎵

Those who spend their wealth night and day, both privately and publicly, will receive their reward from their Lord. They shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Quran 2:74)

Tell me about a moment in your life when you were at the receiving end of someone’s generosity. How did it make you feel?

Leave a comment below. It’ll definitely make me feel like we’re all connected. 😊