Spirit Through Service

Allow yourself a moment to consider the spiritual act of service as we enter this most holy of seasons " the season of light and hope. If you consider yourself spiritual in any sense of the word, at some point the concept of serving others naturally takes root. The holiday season grants us an opportunity to make meaning of our lives and be grateful for all we have. As our spirit deepens, and we become more aware of the presence of the Divine in our lives, each of us has a call to serve the greater good in some capacity. Furthermore, fulfilling a service to others may already be in place in your life without you even realizing it.

Consider what you do for a living. If your work is satisfying and rewarding, then the act of service is most likely in place. Perhaps you have yet to frame it in that manner. If you live a conscious life and spend time cultivating your authentic self, your highest self, the one that resonates in the spirit GOD, consider then your talents and gifts and how you could readily utilize those gifts to help others. I sat in awe watching Oprah last week as she paid special tribute to the many average people who did the extraordinary in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These everyday people were pure and true in what they offered. Lending their time and talents- doing what they do best- nursing, operating boats or giving shelter to animals, these exceptional men and women stopped their busy lives, left their jobs and family in order to serve those most in need. Tears came to not only my eyes, but to all those who witnessed each unique and special story of service.

I once heard that GOD is an acronym for Good Orderly Direction. What I witnessed on Oprah the other night was certainly Good Orderly Direction at it's finest. The inspiring men and women who were called to serve in the aftermath of Katrina listened to the gentle whisper of God's voice, the spirit within. All of the stories were striking in the sense that each of the volunteers essentially received more than they gave. They set out to serve, and returned with the richest of rewards. It's been said that giving in its purest form asks for nothing in return, yet what all those men and women received was priceless beyond measure.

As the holiday season revs up, listen and look for ways to serve those less fortunate than you. And take into account the ways in which you already serve others. Now that I have witnessed the inspiring stories of ordinary people who listened to their spirit and were called to serve, there is no turning back for me. If you haven't already, ask yourself the following: How can I best serve others? What is most important to me in this season of giving? Then listen for the answers. Your spirit will lead you where you need to be. Follow it and be of service. Your reward may be surprising, and most likely the finest gift you could have ever wished.

Written by Gia Lupinacci for eMaxHealth.com - Copyright 2005