No it's not a typo; the phrase as it's known from the Scriptures is that "It's more blessed to give than to receive." I believe in the truth of it. But receiving isn't such a bad thing either.
There's a guy named Jimmy who's started showing up a few months ago. He's now usually camped out on the sidewalk next to the picnic tables when we serve dinner every week although for the last 4-6 weeks he hasn't had dinner and he's stayed seated in his wheelchair on the sidewalk next to his stuff; he likes to smoke, and smoking isn't allowed in the park. Instead of eating, now he typically asks me if I want a soda while I'm packing up.
Tonight he asked me if I wanted some pie or some cake. I was going to pass but he continued on, mentioning that he'd bought them yesterday for his birthday. So I pulled out some extra plates,knives & forks, had a small sliver of cake, and we talked about some of our favorite comfort foods. Nothing fancy: fried bologna sandwiches with melted cheese with or without mustard. Different ways to make eggs with potatoes (no onions for Jimmy)..
I packed up, and as I was leaving, I told him 'happy birthday'.
Jimmy smiled, for the first time I can remember.
