Is It Really a Blessing?

When we moved here a few years ago we had made up our mind to remove a few (maybe more than few) items out of our collection of stuff. Stuff was smothering us! We needed to downsize! We knew just what we needed and tried to give away the rest, to family, friends, and Goodwill. We still have a few boxes of items, that as we come across them, we try to decipher what to keep and what to give away. We thought this was going real well, until recently.

As much as we love our friends, they seem to think we need more stuff. Every time we see them, they bring us a gift. A BLESSING. Now, we just added to the stuff we already have and want!

Is it really a Blessing or did they just want to pass their stuff onto someone else? I appreciate the thought and all, but we are having a time trying to downsize and we don't need extra of anything. I'm not trying to be smug or snotty, but we do have all we need and the extra stuff just is more stuff to move around or try to pack up for Goodwill. I would feel much better knowing items were given to those who need them. Someday, in the future we might need things, but for now...we are content with the items we have, already.

What would be nice is, if someone wants to give someone something, maybe they should ask if they could use that gift item. This way no-one gets hurt feelings when the item is refused, or thrown out. Maybe the person can't use the item, but now they feel obligated to keep it, but have no place to store it. That causes problems for the one receiving. Now they have more stuff to contend with. I'm sure the giver has no idea, I have done the same.

After I give someone something, later I think about it and wonder if I just added to their stuff. Will it be in the garbage next week or given to Goodwill? Giving is over-rated! It should be done to those in need. We should not assume, we should ask!