Creator’s Promise of Blessing for Blessing

"Bless others, and blessing will come back. Those who give a drink of water will be given water to drink" (Proverbs 11:25, First Nations Version).

Our Yakama people have a virtue called wapitat ttawaxt. This virtue describes serving others by offering to help in as many ways as you can think of; to be generous in everything.

As Yakama people, we are taught that all life is a circle. What we give comes back to us, just as rain falls to the earth, rises again as mist, and returns to the sky—only to begin the cycle anew. This proverb teaches the same truth: when we live generously, blessing others, Creator, in turn, blesses us.

Think of Inchi Wana (the Columbia River). She doesn’t drink her own water. Instead, she flows, always quenching the thirst of animals, trees, and people, caring for the salmon and other creatures that live in her waters. In return, Inchi Wana is replenished by rain and snow from the mountains. In this way Creator shows us that giving and receiving are woven together. When we are generous, we are shown generosity. It is simply the way of life—the law of Creator.

Our elders often remind us that generosity is a sign of strength. Our leaders were often poorer, in no small part because of their generosity. That was good leadership. If a leader hoards their stuff, it brings shame to them and their family. But one who is generous brings honor to themselves and their family. This proverb teaches the same truth: those who are generous toward others will find themselves receiving generosity, not only in material things but in joy, peace, and friendship.

The way of selfishness leads only to emptiness. Like a stagnant pond that grows stinky, so a life that is stingy turns foul. But a life that pours out kindness and blessing is like Inchi Wana—fresh, life-giving, and continually replenished.

In our families and communities, a grandma who gives her time and wisdom to her grandchildren receives joy and honor in return. A young person who serves their elders with respect finds strength and blessing for the journey ahead. Each act of giving is like planting a seed that will one day bear fruit.

Walk this day with open hands. Share your words to encourage, your time to serve, your gifts to bless. Creator watches over the generous and promises to give water to those who give water to others.

Prayer

Tamánwiła, Giver of every good gift,
teach me to walk with an open hand.
Teach me to give water to the thirsty, food to the hungry,
and kindness to the weary.
As I am generous to others, be generous to me,
so that my life may flow like Inchi Wana,
which never runs dry.