Geschenkt means gift

When I was six, we moved to Germany, and I did not know fear.

I knew nightmares and I knew pain, and I knew generally about things that go bump in the night, but I did not have any reason to doubt my safety or my magic. For this, I know I am incredibly blessed.

In Germany, I found a world of castles, forests, and freedom that opened to me on my hot pink bicycle. I would spend hours pedaling around in the fields that lay just outside the fences surrounding the military base we called home. This was before the world turned cold, before the blockades went up, before the buildings fell. Out there, I was inundated by gifts from the Universe, guided by special creatures, and full of stories and songs. They flowed to me as freely as the air through my hair.

During that first year of living overseas, my mother and I habitually sought out antique fairs and flea markets. Sometimes they would be treasure troves of ancient relics, tapestries, and handmade trinkets. Sometimes there would be towers of used tires and secondhand soap. But one time, it was truly magical.

I found myself amid winding aisles of booths and stalls piled high with bounty enough to fill several castles. I had run ahead of my mother, as usual, and came across a man who had a bushel basket full of keys. Huge, heavy ones as long as my forearm and tiny delicate ones no bigger than the key to my diary. Then my eyes landed on one that looked like the key to a secret garden. Loops and wings molded into the bow fit perfectly into the hollow of my little hand. I was immediately certain that this key was magical.

The seller saw me admiring it and said, “Geschenkt! Geschenkt!” I grinned, understanding without translation, thanked him, and darted back to show my mama. When I held it up to her and told her it was magical, she put some coins into my hand and told me to go back and pay for it. She came with me and when I tried to give him the money, he declined, repeating again, “Geschenkt!”

It means gift.

This was the first in a long string of experiences that introduced to me the idea that blessings may come with strings attached, that terms and conditions may apply. I have only just begun to unravel this for myself.

While yes, there are exchanges that have a price tag, there are also pure blessings that you cannot pay for with any amount of money. There is infinite goodness that is flowing to us and through us like water running downhill. We cannot use it up. We cannot possibly earn it. Our job is simply to receive these gifts with gratitude and an open heart to make room for even more.

When you’re offered a magical key, say thank you with a smile.