In response to Rev. Penny’s challenge to respond to selfless action with an email, committing to a life of service has been part of the spiritual journey on which I have embarked since coming to NVC beginning in May. Rev. Penny and others at NVC have helped me act on the knowledge that making memories is far more satisfying than making money.
Whether giving folding money to panhandlers, going to dinner and a play with a person I had never met, providing tickets to sporting events for kids (and adults) who cannot afford them, donating clothes to Hope’s Closet for victims of domestic violence, giving wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment to Southwest Lending Closet, which lends to those in need, donating time to charities, or just offering advice sought or a kind word to someone who is hurting, I have been living proof that giving of oneself and serving others ALWAYS comes back in abundance – every time.
While I tried to be generous and give before attending NVC, it has now become a central passion of mine. Today’s message was yet again a clarion call to service. Taking the lead from Rev. Penny, I will cull the clothes in my closet this week. I will find a way to “carry” my sister who has mental health and substance abuse problems. Tomorrow I will have an opportunity to carry someone who will have no one else to protect her interests. I will do it with today’s message in mind.
I have been blessed beyond any reasonable expectation by the love and kindness of others during times of need. I have always tried to “pay it forward.” I have found that there is no limit to the ability to serve. Yes, it leads to questions. Yes, we are each others’ questions – and answers. But one question that is always there and will have a different answer each time, is “What else can I do?” It is a bottomless well of possibilities.
Yesterday, I told a friend that I would be very disappointed if there was a day that passed in which I did not learn something. I learn something everyday. It is my goal to make that statement with regard to giving. I want to give something to someone everyday – whether monetary, in kind, a word of advice or encouragement, or something else.
It has been this Community (especially Rev. Penny through her leadership and my friend, Cindy Solomon, who introduced me to NVC) who have changed my life – even at this rather advanced age. For this, I am enormously and eternally grateful. It is this philosophy – Science of Mind – that has provided me with tools to explain positions that have long been consistent with the way I was bought up and what I believe to be true.
This is a long way of saying that in living a service-driven life, I am “all in,” and in the words of Rev. Penny’s call to action, “I’ll play.” I will endeavor to sacrifice self, to lay down my life for others (without dying!) I will continue to give a portion of my good away and in a more purpose-driven way.
I appreciate the focus Rev. Penny has put on it this month. It has been a blessing, as this Community continues to be an ongoing blessing in my life.
MTH