Something for nothing.

Something for nothing.

If you’re like me, you probably find it a bit uncomfortable to receive something for nothing.

It just feels, well, awkward.

Giving something for nothing is a proven strategy many charities follow. They send us small novelties—personalized address labels, greeting cards, calendars—with the hope that we’ll feel some obligation to give something back in return.

As children, we learned that being well-behaved meant saying "thank you" when we received something.

And, as adults, we know that proper behavior involves some kind of repayment; something—verbal appreciation, time, money, etc.—must be given for the goods and services we receive, whether they were solicited or not.

We are ingrained with this simple truth:

"Goodly people should not take or receive without giving back."

Perhaps God and the universe give us 'something for nothing' with the hope of inspiring us to give a little something back?

You can give back by funding charities, becoming a mentor or foster parent, volunteering, or even by uttering a heartfelt prayer.

Unless you give back when you are blessed, you will feel awkward at best; bitter and resentful at worst.

When you don’t give something back, you live under the basic assumption that you are not doing enough and that you are in some way undeserving.

I suggest that we, right now, acknowledge that there are some things we have received in life without our having given back anything in exchange.

And, while it may seem embarrassing at first, I'll ask if you can find it in yourself to say a child's simple yet sincere "Thank you."

Find five things for which you have deep gratitude . . .

You'll be amazed at how far a little gratitude goes.

(Moreover, when you say "thank you" the response will be "You are welcome." God and the universe want you to know that you are welcome in this life—that you deserve and that you belong.)


With love, and lots of it.


Rabbi Brian