Thin Places
12.22.09
None of us are immune from the external pressures of the world and stress is on the rise.
Economic uncertainty triggers stress, as it cuts to the essence of survival and safety. Media, unfortunately, tends to target negative drama, predictions of doom, and a host of other fear inducing material that adds fuel to the fire. Thank goodness there is an antidote to the raging flames of stress!
The Celts talk about thin places on the Earth. Places where Heaven and Earth meet, opening the space for the Divine Mystery to unfold, touching those who have the willingness to receive. While we may not be able to travel to Ireland or sacred places on the Earth, there is another way to create thin spaces wherever we go. One of these is serving.
My teacher told me once that Service is the highest form of loving. True service is to give without regard for return; to give for the sheer love of giving. It is that un-self conscious expression of loving that opens thin places. Places that nurture, restore, and balance our Spirit.
Service is not about anything other than loving, expressed in action.
I believe that each one of us is called to serve, whether with a smile,
an understanding heart, a donation to those causes that call you, or simply
to pray. There are as may ways to serve as there are humans!
This Holiday Season, why not “listen with the ears of your heart?” (St. Augustine)
and open yourself to the greatest gift of all…making a difference, simply because
you can.
Serving at your own expense is not true service, because lack of self care is lack of loving.
Here’s a challenge for 2010. Are you willing to take care of yourself first, then take your service into the world?
I invite you to lead with your loving and watch thin spaces open up in your life.
The business of living with fear can be addressed when we turn to the Divine. Goodness, compassion, forgiveness, laughter, joy, service are keys to connecting Heaven and Earth.
Best wishes or a joyful, Happy and Healthy Holiday Season…
