living a life of service

​When we think of heroes or service, most people usually think of those in uniform.  Typically, this means military, police and firefighters. Frankly, we are all called to service.  We might not all have jobs or volunteer work in these lines but no one is off the hook.  You and I are here to serve. 
 
We seem to have really rigid guidelines and definitions of service.  Serving, like so many aspects in manmade matters, have become diluted and tainted manufactures of the Creator’s original and perfect doings and intentions.  Certainly, reading to young children as part of a school-community volunteer program and feeding the hungry are beautiful expressions of service as are so many other acts of generosity, kindness and compassion.
 
I encounter new family and friends all the time. They are new because I do not know them but I call them family and friends because I feel a connection with them. With this, I feel it is my duty to be a light for all I impact.  Yes. My duty.  This is your duty too.
 
Too often, we disassociate from one another using all kinds of titles, labels, boundaries, ...  You name it.  We proclaim and explain why we do not extend kind words, lend a hand, lift up the downtrodden, care for the neglected or even share a smile or return a greeting to another.  
 
“They’re not related to me.”  “Let somebody else do it.”  “I have to look out for number one.”  “That’s not my problem.”  “I don’t care about those people.”  These, and all other reasons, are nonsense.  They are merely self-imposed restrictions that mean absolutely nothing.  
 
Some synonyms of freedom are “choice,” “free will,” and “lack of restrictions.”  This 
Service does not require a uniform.  At least, no one has to wear an article of clothing identifiable with any agency or institution.  
 
Our daily routines and other happenings lend themselves perfectly to serve throughout the entire day and every day, no matter what the day brings.  Getting grounded is action that puts us in the driver’s seat.  Getting grounded prepares us for what is to come.  We become proactive instead of reactive.  Do not let the day’s events decide how it unfolds. Set the tone with free will. Choose to be conscious and just watch what happens.  No. This is not mumbo jumbo.  Remember that what we send out returns.  
 
So, get ready before your day even begins. Ready yourself for service. Before putting your feet on the floor, upon awakening in the morning, choose not to be bound by anything, especially your thoughts.  Dismiss the –isms, reactive tendencies and apathy.  Release all restrictions to giving to all you encounter.  Fill yourself with all the kind, gentle, caring and compassionate energy you can.  If you serve, you have to do this because you must first have something to share with others.  You cannot share what you do not have.  
 
No one has to suit-up. The only suit required is a suit of love ... because the one service all of us – you and I – were placed on this earth to honor is to love one another.  We cannot love which means we cannot serve one another in the absence of love.  
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Extend a smile.  Greet another.  Return a “Hello.”  Lift an unsolicited hand.  Make decisions and choices that impact others for the better.  Living without giving love unconditionally to all is not living for living is meant to be a life of service.
 
The opportunities always present themselves to serve.  They will continue to present themselves until you catch on.  We continue to see those circumstances in our lives that require our attention.  They show up, and will continue to show, to teach us some lesson until we “get it.” After we “get it,” there could be occasional pop quizzes to test us.  
 
So, are you seeing your opportunities to live your life of service?  
 
Are you paying attention?  
 
Are you serving?

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