A gift that has the power to change us awakens a part of the soul. But we cannot receive the gift until we can meet it as an equal. We therefore submit ourselves to the labor of becoming like the gift. Giving a return gift is the final act in the labor of gratitude, and it is also, therefore, the true acceptance of the original gift.' There is a burden of gratitude that, if it is not returned, will crush our spirits or splinter them. But we don't give to get rid of the burden; we must become like the gift in order to give it in its fullness.
The quote emphasizes that a meaningful gift can transform us by awakening our soul, but true acceptance of that gift requires us to engage with it on equal terms. This process involves personal growth and transformation as we work to embody the qualities of the gift itself. The journey toward becoming like the gift is not merely a task but a profound personal labor that deepens our connection to it.
Additionally, the act of giving a gift in return is framed as the ultimate expression of gratitude, representing our genuine acceptance of what we have received. If we fail to reciprocate, we may experience an overwhelming sense of obligation that can harm our spirit. Thus, the essence of giving lies not in alleviating burdens, but in fully embodying and extending the original gift’s spirit to others.
