Receiving gratitude or running from it?

My Seller had just finished signing the closing documents. He stood up, walked toward me and thanked me.

“You bet,” I said, as I went to give him a hug.

But he stopped me. Taking a hold of my shoulders, he looked into my eyes and said. “Look at me. Truly, thank you for helping us!”

I looked deeply into his eyes.

I saw the anticipation of his future. I could see the glimmer of turquoise water as the Gulf of Mexico beckoned. 

I heard his children’s laughter as they ran toward the beach, while he and his wife watched the sunsets from their new Florida home.  

The Rocky Mountains whispered goodbye as the salty breeze offered hello.

I stood there meeting his gaze and then replied, “Thank you. I have a difficult time receiving… You’re welcome and thanks for letting me sell your home and journey with you.” 

In that moment, my client said so much with so few words. He asked me to look at him so I’d notice that:

My work is impactful: I don’t just sell houses, in fact, I don’t really sell at all. I meet goals and help my clients step into their dreams. 

The hard work is worth it. At the end of each busy day, when I hang up all the “hats” I wear…tired from working all the details behind the scenes to make each transaction as stress-free as possible, I will remember it’s worth it.

I’m seen and appreciated. I will think about this conversation and hopefully allow thankfulness into my heart more readily. I will choose to receive gratitude instead of running from it.

Despite writing a book on this topic, I still struggle.

I will keep practicing though. 

Perhaps one day I will jump through the air and be completely Free to Receive.