We are all engaged in service to others in some way. Most don’t appreciate the products made, or the services given by companies, organizations, and institutions as benefitting others. These are the workplaces of our country. If they weren’t helpful to others how could they exist? Commerce is people helping each other in a multitude of ways. Exchanging values for other values needed in life.
Spiritual service is entirely different, it is giving from the heart with no expectation of anything in return. Spiritual giving is the most fullfilling thing you can do in life. It is a healing for both the giver and the one who receives the gift. It is not a burden, but a blessing.
Giving money may or may not be spiritual service. Depends on the attitude of the giver. Mother Teresa was known to turn down large gifts of money, asking the potential giver to come work beside her. She wanted them to see and feel the good their money would do. She wanted them to be helped along with the poor receiving the donation.
You could volunteer for some worthy organization needing help. Many near death experiencers have volunteered to work in Hospice with patients in the last stages of their life.
Help someone learn to read at the library.
Visit someone in a nursing home. I know from experience many of these people have family that almost never come to visit.
Offer to run errands or drive an elderly or sick neighbor to doctor appointments. Visit them often.
Keep packed snacks in your car for those who are asking for money or food at street corners.
Find the spiritual service you like best and do it. There is no end to the opportunities for service. Helping others is helping yourself. Just being a good listener for a troubled teen is spiritual service to others. The world needs a lot of good listeners right now. Don’t judge, just listen and love.
© 2009, Lekatt. All rights reserved.