I slept and dreamt that life was joy.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.
--- (Rabindranath Tagore )
Some people think service means getting in there and getting your hands dirty big time. Well, it's a yes and a no. Yes as some wealthy benefactors personalities or celebrities do with such a show of philanthropy or having so much drama in its execution.... banners waving, drums rolling, cameras flashing, media exposure.
No because service can also be just where you are, who you are, and what you have. Simple ordinary things which often are considered insignificant. It can mean a simple kind word... or a cold glass of water to the peddler passing by your house selling his wares... or a helping an old lady pick up parcels which fell from her grasp... or a sympathetic listening ear to a friend's tales of woe... or just being compassionate to the struggles of others trying to make it in the big tough world out there.... or helping an old man cross the street... or help your neighbor take his sick baby to the hospital in the middle of the night... etc.
Small acts of kindness, sympathy, compassion, care, affection, understanding... these things matter. Maybe not much to a world which is more inclined to recognize big effort, big ideas, big thoughts, and everything else grand and grander. But if you in your heart know that you're doing the right thing.... doing your teeny weeny best to help ease somebody else's burden ------ then you are up on the list of God's favorite people. Because to a watching God -- small is big.
And the reward is authentic JOY in the heart. A joy so blessed a hundredfold by a very pleased God. And he'll bless you with even more. Of that I'm sure.
Wish you bountiful blessings of joy to your weekend.
