Anybody Can Serve
People keep telling me that before one can help others, they must first have money in their pockets. It is out of folly that man thinks that to be of service to another being, he must first fill his pockets with this thing called 'money'.
There are also some who attempt to define the what "selfless service" is. Apparently, 'selfless service' to that old man (6 years ago) was something you must do as a routine, and not a one-off gesture of kindness. A young spiritual disciple who learned meditation from me boldly replied the older person that she believed that 'selfless service' was a gesture of kindness shown to others with a genuine heart regardless of whether it was done as a routine or a one-off gesture such as helping an elderly person cross the road. Listening to their conversation from the corner, I smiled because though young, the girl has truly grasped the true meaning behind serving others.
Uplifting another person's spirit by inspiring him/her towards better living too is service and it requires only your time and voice.
There are also those who tell me that service to humanity should be left for old age because when one is young, it is the time to earn money to have a secured life when we get older. How sure are you that you will live that long to be able to spend the money you have earned in the young age for service? The problem is that man lives either in the past or future, and not in the 'NOW'. He tries to earn money to secure the life he doesn't even know he'll live to see it! How much can one earn anyway in one's lifetime? Being old and fragile, how much can you serve society then?
There are also those who tell me that they have a lot of money and they would love to do charity, but they do not know what to do. Look around you. Look for the places you are needed and just do your best! Charity is not about giving money to the poor. It is about being there for the people when they need you most. Everyone can give a dollar or two without thinking much about those people after that. You can just donate some money to the people who come begging for money, but of what use is such charity for? Have you truly touched those people's lives? Do you even know where your money really went? Did you truly show your love for those people or did you just give out of convenience since you had the ability to do so?
Did you ever ask yourself if you had no money, and had only one small piece of bread to eat, and another hungry beggar came along -- would you share your bread with him/her? Pure love and true service shine not in giving when you are too comfortable in giving, but giving when the giving may deprive you of something that you need as well.
There is no general rule to be of service to society. All you need to do is to just do your best and help the best you can. One is never too young or old to serve. To be of service to others is only a will away. Will you, or will you not?
Have a useful week ahead.
Love and light,
Genevieve.
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