A gift is a gift, but a gift to one in need is an investment, a seed planted in the ground.
Hidden beneath the earth, a seed decays to nothingness. Yet out of that nothingness it unlocks the endless, transformative power of the earth: The power to reproduce.
The seed germinates. A delicate sprout breaks through the earth’s surface. In time, it will grow and mature to provide many thousands of fruits and seeds like itself. And that process will replicate itself, theoretically, ad infinitum.
A seed ignites the power of the earth, but a gift of kindness seeds the very ground of the cosmos—for out of Divine Kindness the universe emerged, of Kindness it is built, and with Kindness it is sustained and nourished.
And what are the fruits for those who seed kindness? G‑d’s kindness. Beyond infinite, yet here for you in this world.
Invest kindness in those who are in need. The fruits of your investment will be beyond wonder.
Hi Rabbi Tzvi.
I am not sure what "A gift is a gift" means.
I suppose that In the context of this article, it means a gift given to someone who does not need anything from us because they can provide what they need for themselves. Or a gift that is given to a person who did not think they wanted or needed the thing given.
I think we should help another in need and we should not neglect those who have every material thing they could possibly need or want. Perhaps a little unexpected gift given to a soul who does not need the gift to survive may brighten their day and bring them a tiny bit of joy to be reminded how they are appreciated and esteemed. Is that not a way to reflect G-d's light into the world?
Thank you; and, I pray you are well.
Blessings of G-D upon you and yours.