A few weeks ago, I volunteered to use my many years of experience and expertise in creating and publishing electronic newsletters to train the person newly responsible for the e-newsletters at my spiritual center. Since I work full-time, we made arrangements to have the first session today following the Sunday service.

Having these plans, I found one of today’s morning readings timely:

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. – Hellen Keller

“This is what gives our life real importance: to know that with God’s guidance, we can make a contribution that is necessary and unique.”

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” March 6
*As We Understand God

Well, Spirit had other plans. While this person was present at the Sunday service, she left before it had concluded, without a word to anyone. We don’t know if perhaps she wasn’t feeling well, or something else came up; no one had her personal phone number in order to contact her. I trust she is well and am sending light and love to her; I’ll check in tomorrow at the office if she doesn’t connect with me first.

So while I was waiting to see if this person might have briefly left and would return, I got called in to be of service elsewhere: a Board member needed a second person to assist with counting the offering. This is one area in which the Board has been struggling to find volunteers each week.

I gladly obliged, especially grateful to help out since my other volunteer plans had gone up in smoke. I really wanted to be of service, and Spirit needed my contribution elsewhere. It felt great to be productive and to give of myself, even if the details were different than I was anticipating.

Being of service makes me feel closer to God. I get the opportunity to interact and better know other people and help to ensure the organization continues to thrive. Such a deal!