Gifting: Not a Relationship

I have a tendency to want people to love what I give them. If I give them a treat that I have made, I want to see their smiles immediately. "Yes, take the gum out of your mouth and try this warm cookie." The people in my household understand this urgency. They prepare for it. "Wait, Mom's making cookies? Gum can wait!"

Extended family is not nearly as trusting. "I have to try it right now, huh? What's in it? Why do I have to refrigerate it? Will it really go bad if I leave it on the counter for a little while? You seem really nervous about this. Maybe I should just set it over here and forget about."

And that was when I left the room.

I made the gift with my own hands. I packaged it for optimum freshness. I explained what it was. My responsibility is over. This exchange is not connected to any other exchange.

This is nothing like that time years ago when another person used similar language to sabotage my gift in front of others and held me up for ridicule.

This is also nothing like that time years ago when someone snuck in a sour ingredient to watch the other person's face when she tried it in front of witnesses.

This is a new experience.

Just breathe.

"Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. 'Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.' This is the law and the prophets."

Matt 7: 9-12