“When you are in the service of your fellow beings you are in the service of God.” – Anonymous

Tonight, I attended a new women’s group forming at my spiritual center. I liked that it’s a mixture of ages, races, and cultures. I was keenly aware of myself, ensuring I didn’t try to take over leading the group, impose my ideas about how it should be, or exude an attitude of I know better than y’all. I simply wanted to be in the present moment and be of service, if at all possible. Well, I got the opportunity.

During introductions and us each expressing what we hoped the group would be about, one woman—I’ll call her Jane—stated that she desperately needed support as her husband had just passed away two months ago. She was still grieving and felt very much alone. She’d joined a grief support group, but it was a religious-based group and it didn’t sit well with her. I thought it courageous that she was venturing out as much as she was and sharing her struggle; it was also self-love. I was glad that during one impromptu exercise to learn and remember everyone’s name, Jane was able to have some laughs along with the rest of us.

After the meeting ended, I approached Jane to offer my condolences, and talk a bit if she was comfortable. I was warm and inviting, and not pushy. Without hesitation, Jane spoke of the circumstances under which her husband passed and how it was quite sudden. I wanted to make sure she was aware of the service the licensed practitioners offer after the Sunday talk, that is, to sit with a person for a quick “three-minute miracle” (at no charge), as well as one-hour scheduled sessions. I encouraged Jane to gift herself that opportunity to sit with such a person during this devastating time in her life. New to the center, she said she had thought of that, but didn’t know how it worked. I explained and she said she’d do that. I told her I’d be at the center Sunday and perhaps would see her there. As I was leaving, she thanked me. Her gesture confirmed that I’d been of service to another and had made a difference. I think Jane felt she was no longer so alone.

I am so grateful I was able to be there for someone in need. It makes me feel connected to another being and to Spirit. Especially with the pandemic and change in lifestyle, I simply have not been giving such service for a while. And, I’ve become more self-absorbed, not a healthy trait.

When I am being of service, I go to that space within and draw out the compassion, empathy, kindness, and love that I am inherently. I am of service to another, to the world, and to God. And, I am of service to myself, as I reveal and strengthen my spiritual qualities. Gratitude resides in my heart.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi