A friend recently hosted her bi-weekly gathering "Chocolate for the Soul." The topic for conversation was service. Another friend told of a recent meeting he had with a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Service, indeed, has many forms: to serve one's country, to serve a meal, to serve as a volunteer, to serve for a cause, to serve the sick. Service in these ways is a response to a need that usually satisfies both the giver and the receiver. Service can, at times, feel like an obligation, a burden. Then the purity of the gift is lost; it is no longer service. Often service is offered by those who perceive that they have more - wealth, knowledge, wisdom, experience, advantage - to those who have less. This is not service either, but dependency and, at times, exploitation. Sounds harsh, but is true.
True, soul full service springs from a deep well that must give; that must. Service in its pure essence is not dependent upon a recipient, does not need to know an outcome. Soul full service is an availability, without a question. Service, elevated and yet humbled, is a moving river that flows across hospitable or challenging terrain, nourishing, refreshing, bringing life to every thing it touches.
Mothers Day is just a couple of days away, a time to reflect on adults who serve others willingly, generously. I consider the availability of a mother, a father, to a child; the generosity of grandparents, the wisdom of aunties and uncles; their gifts given freely, soul fully, humbly, without desire for gain. Given because they must serve; they must. Because it is their essence, their depth, wisdom attained that is overflowing. A moving river bringing life.
Who are the people that you know who are rivers of service, flowing? Are you one? Consider my new poem, "sentry" for more thoughts about service.
Blessings be yours -
Phyllis
True, soul full service springs from a deep well that must give; that must. Service in its pure essence is not dependent upon a recipient, does not need to know an outcome. Soul full service is an availability, without a question. Service, elevated and yet humbled, is a moving river that flows across hospitable or challenging terrain, nourishing, refreshing, bringing life to every thing it touches.
Mothers Day is just a couple of days away, a time to reflect on adults who serve others willingly, generously. I consider the availability of a mother, a father, to a child; the generosity of grandparents, the wisdom of aunties and uncles; their gifts given freely, soul fully, humbly, without desire for gain. Given because they must serve; they must. Because it is their essence, their depth, wisdom attained that is overflowing. A moving river bringing life.
Who are the people that you know who are rivers of service, flowing? Are you one? Consider my new poem, "sentry" for more thoughts about service.
Blessings be yours -
Phyllis
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