By John Daubney
The passion that some people exhibit for the spiritual journey and for giving of themselves in service to others can often provide the nudge we need to get more deeply involved ourselves. So pay attention to those times when you are inspired, even a little bit, by the example that others show you. That’s what happened to Anne Marie and was a big part of how she ended up settling in with us at Unity. Very soon she found a ministry that she could involve herself in, which made use of the gifts and experience that she possesses. She has been blessed ever since.
“I found Unity by way of Patricia Hunt-Perry. We were participants in the same meditation community. She frequently and gently provided me with nudges to attend a service at Unity. I was initially resistant, but eventually “gave in.” The first service I attended was in July 2012. From the moment I walked into the sanctuary, I felt something special. During the hour I was there, I don’t think I ever stopped crying. The message… the music… the people… I felt like I had found home.
A month later, there was a call for youth educators, and without hesitation I volunteered. In the past I had been a teacher of the deaf, downstate, and have always enjoyed working with children. Here at Unity, I now felt so accepted, and loved that I wanted to give back. The Unity principles and teachings were so deeply aligned with my own spirituality that it felt like the perfect fit for me. I am especially grateful to offer yoga, meditation and sign language to the children. I feel it is important for them find and know the God within themselves. Tapping deeply into their own body and mind lets them know that GOD is with them always…just a breath away!
Service is a wonderful way to practice Unity’s spiritual teachings. Giving back is an offering of love for both the community and for myself. It allows me the opportunity to dig deep into who I am and how I want to show up in the world. There were times in my life when I was afraid to “put myself out there” for fear of being judged or criticized. Living that way felt lonely and deadening. As I grew in age, I grew in wisdom. I didn’t want to continue down that same path, so I stretched my “courage muscles” and began volunteering my time here and there. When I found Unity, my heart opened in ways I had ONLY dreamed possible. People like Dottie Frament, Roger Mock, Bonnie Kriss and John Frederick set the tone for how I wanted to serve — with grace, love, and a great big giant open heart. Their inspiration was a driving force for me to say yes! In addition to serving our youth, I also serve on the Small Business Fair committee, Unity Cares committee, and Hospitality committee.
If you have a desire to stretch your own “courage muscles,” I invite you to contemplate what it is you like to do, and find a way to offer yourself in that way to our community. It is a deeply fulfilling experience to give back. Beautiful things happen when you allow your heart to meet the hearts of others. You will never be the same again…I promise. “
“Whatever fills your awareness most intensely is what you will bring to life.
Instead of filling your awareness with excuses, fill it with passion.
With your moments, your skills, your words and your actions you will change your world and add to the lives of others.
Today, choose to let that change be driven by what you love rather than by what you fear.”
–Ralph Marston – Daily Motivator