We cannot give What we do not have.

After hearing that, I paused for a moment and really tried to take in what means. Is it true? Can I give somebody a dollar bill if I do not have one to give? Am I incapable of giving somebody love if I do not already have love to give? Can I teach somebody to listen if I am not able to hear what others have to say?

I thought about that, and I realized that what it means was quite true for me. I didn't want to admit it, and I'm not sure anybody does. After all, why would any of us want to admit that we have "deficiencies?" Why admit we have faults, or that we may be incapable of some things? This is especially demoralizing for those of us who desperately want to love, or really deeply want to feel joy and happiness... but we just don't.

What is that quality you wish you had, but you don't?

Is it happiness? Love? Just being able to smile? Whatever it is, write it down. After you've written it down and are clear what it is, then go try to give that to somebody else.

For example, if you can't smile, make a genuine effort to help somebody else smile. A true, concerted, genuine effort. Continue making the effort to give this quality to somebody else, and keep trying until you find somebody who is able to receive your gift.

After you've done that exercise (and not until you've done it!), reply to this email and let me know what your experience was... how it affected you, as well as the other person.

 The lord will be with you.