As I have discussed over the past few weeks, there are different ways of performing service.
For example, there is environmentalism, as mentioned last week. Another way is humanitarianism…helping other living entities on the planet. There are so many people doing such important work on the planet today by helping others who are less fortunate.
Like ripples in a pond, it expands from individuals such as Sam, the young man who’s Bar Mitzvah I attended, to celebrities, to organizations, to Temples and Churches and so many more.
Most of these people are truly sacrificing something to try and help others. We who are more fortunate than others have a responsibility to help the less fortunate. At the 12-step group meetings, there is often a sign that says something like this: “Whenever someone is in need, the hand of AA is there.”
But we have to remember something. This is the material world, not the spiritual world. There is pain here and there always will be. What is important is that we try to help others through their pain and remember that we can only offer help. There will be times when our help will not be – or cannot be – accepted. Not everyone is meant to be helped.
Pain and suffering is part of the journey for all of us. It is our teacher. Some saints and sages say that we choose a particular pain before we take a human form, so that it will help us heal from our past…help us on our journey back home…the journey to our higher Self.
Even the greatest saints and avatars suffered. The Buddha suffered until he became self realized. Jesus had The Passion. Mohammad suffered great mental anguish concerning his relationship with his father. Who are we to expect to go through life without suffering?
Service is important, but is also important to realize that sacrifice is often a part of the package. We just must remember not to get caught up in or distracted by the consequences.
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