Just Do What You Do

Neglect not the gift that is in thee... - I Timothy 4:14

“What is God asking you to give today? It may be large or small, but one thing is certain: It’s something only you can give.” – By Roberta Messner (From today’s Daily Guideposts)

Well, I easily and naturally give hugs. And, I’m quick to help someone with computer-related issues. I consider myself a good listener and empathetic. But, what is it that is uniquely me, that no one else can give? My singing voice, my wit, my wisdom?

Perhaps it’s sharing my experience, strength, and hope. I’ve led an interesting and unique life considering my roots and the fact that I’m a woman. I’ve developed a philosophy of life that has served me and my fellows well.

So maybe it’s simply telling my story of how I came to believe in a Power greater than myself that could relieve me of the insanity of my life, not just in the area of my eating disorder, but in other unhealthy relationships as well. I know that I love sharing about what my life used to be like, what happened, and what it’s been like since I developed a relationship with the God of my understanding. And, I know it has been a service and a blessing to many of those who’ve heard it.

I’ve said that if I accomplished nothing else in this lifetime, shedding the atheist persona and coming to believe in Spirit and acting in accordance with that belief has been plenty.

So along with hugging, listening, and being empathic, I guess just doing what I do means being one of God’s poster children demonstrating how Spirit works in one’s life. It’s an example of healing and waking up to all that each of us truly is.

Peace

True peace comes not from trying to have peace, but in trying to find God’s will and doing it. Peace comes from letting go. – In God’s Care, June 25

Peace is what I seek, but when my ego gets going, it’s hard to know God’s will, let alone follow it. The ego voice is diametrically opposed to the voice of God, and peace can simply not follow.

As I go through a challenging situation at this time, I am especially seeking to know God’s will and hence, to be at a peace. I decided to look up some more quotes on the topic of peace – here they are.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. - St. Francis of Assisi

As we cultivate peace and happiness in ourselves, we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love. - Thich Nhat Hanh

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. - Lao Tzu

Compassion and love is the source of external and internal peace... - Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama

Giving

As I go through The Move Project of 2009, it is unlike any other, in terms of the circumstances around it and the current apparent lack of financial resources.

It has forced me to be very creative and open to unlimited possibilities. It has stretched me in my being humble and in my capacity to ask for help. It has me spending more time with Spirit as I ask for guidance, pray, and meditate. The aforementioned are all gifts and blessings, ones which make me feel grateful.

New, like-minded people and opportunities have come into my life, and they too make me feel grateful. I’ve been the recipient of many gifts and kindnesses lately as I have put myself more into the world going about this Move Project.

Today’s reading from the Daily Word strikes me so directly as I sit here at the keyboard in a friend’s home in Verde Valley country, the location of our future hometown. Here it is:

I give, and I am greatly blessed in return.

I may have received help from friends, family, or even strangers at a time I needed assistance. I give thanks that they have been there for me and for others.

I, too, am open to giving to those who need help in everyday and unusual circumstances. Whether someone needs a ride to the doctor, a sitter for a child, or a meal at the end of a pay period, my inner guidance reveals what and how I am to give.

The wondrous, miraculous gift from this experience is that I cannot give without receiving in turn--much more than I have given. As I acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of others to be of service, I myself am encouraged to give. I offer what I have of my time, talents, and skills.

- Daily Word, Saturday, April 18, 2009

Spiritual Refreshment

I’ve just come home from a Unity service. I was exhausted as I left the house, having stayed up way too late working on computer-related projects. Nonetheless, I knew that going to Unity would be a worthwhile activity as it would feed my soul (my most important need) and then even perhaps refresh my body. It did.

There, I was in the company and energy of other people seeking peace, comfort, and connection. I was refreshed through meditation, prayer, words of the lesson, and music.

Dear, sweet music for my soul. An instrumentalist, Paul McDermand, played steel drums choosing selections mellow enough for the setting. It’s unusual to not have a singer to provide the gift of music, but Paul’s music was delightful, and seeing the joy upon his face as he worked his art was an additional boost for my spirit.

And, I “lifted my voice” several times in song, my most enjoyable pastime. In so doing, I was also of service. Observing that there was no formal singer to lead the congregation in song, I decided that I would really put my all into singing and hopefully aid others in their musical expression. Besides, I was alone in my 2nd row position and there was no one sitting in the row in front of me to disturb! Singing spiritual songs with all my heart and in bold voice, I felt wonderful.

I don’t know if anyone around me heard me or was helped by me. But, I know that my idea was inspired and following it put me in a giving space and made me feel a closer connection to Spirit and the other church attendees. It was additional spiritual fuel for my soul, a surprise treat.

There are many ways to give, and it is no doubt true that as we give, we receive.

Now I’m fueled up spiritually, physically too, and ready to move forward in my day.

Thank You, Spirit, for the myriad ways I receive connection and I get to give.