Compliments

Here is a semi- sad story, but it's full of love. And we can all see ourselves in it, which is why I decided I would share it.
Yesterday in my crazy Get Rid Of Fest, I came across a knick knack that I really cherish. It's a Willow Tree figurine, who is holding a heart. I love her. But she's a dust collector. I decided to let her go, but I can't put her in the garage sale or give her to Savers. I love her too much for that. I went through my mind, looking for someone's energy who resonated with this piece.
I found her!
While I was still visiting her energy, I wrote her a card, explaining that I hadn't gone out to buy this, but that I was releasing it, and it reminded me of her. That I see how much she goes out of her way for everyone, and how much she does all the time for the people around her. She really does. She's very, very considerate. It isn't easy on her, sometimes. But she does it. She is so gracious and she can't guess at how she's affected some people that I really love for the better. It's immeasurable.
She sent me a message later to say thank you. Then it happened. She said: I don't believe it about myself, but it was so sweet. I totally just paraphrased there, except that she said she doesn't believe it.
:(
Isn't that sad?
It's sad all the way around. It's a gift back to the giver to accept the compliment. Does that make sense? It is. You know how it feels when you say something nice to someone and they brush it off? It's kinda frustrating. It's a gift to just say "Thank you." if you can't find anything else to say. But it's even sadder that what she said is probably true for her. Did she let any of that sink in??? There is nothing wrong with taking it in and thinking "It feels so good to be appreciated!" That isn't vanity...or is it? Is *that* a sin? Is it prideful? Is that a sin? What makes us rebuff the compliments that are given to us?
Let's try today to not do that. Let's try to say thank you, and then maybe take it one step further, and see what it feels like if we pretend that what was said was TRUE about us! Can you imagine? Can you imagine someone finding you so helpful, beautiful, funny, worthwhile? Can you imagine someone treasuring your friendship so much? Can you imagine that someone has been affected FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES FOR THE BETTER, by you?? By you just being you?
Let's try it.