Service Starts at Home

I know people who talk a great story and can quote from all sorts of books but, they're not living what they speak, fully, that is. Actually, do any of us? We can only try. I love family life and gardening because they’re real places in which I can practically express love. Simple isn't it?

When it comes to thinking globally we definitely need to begin by acting locally. A friend, a very down-to-earth gardener, once pointed to his hand and said, "Look at my fingers. Each one represents a place I can serve. The pinkie is for me. I can't serve anyone else properly until I love myself. I can engender self love by growing and eating healthy food, exercising, etc. The ring finger represents family. This can be my immediate family or an extended one like the whanau of the Maori. The second finger stands for my community. There are myriad ways in which I can serve locally. The index finger represents my country. I'm not talking about patriotism here. As you know, patriotism is as dangerous to a country as pride is to an individual. One place to get involved is in politics at a grass roots level; or in simple peaceful movements and protests. Finally, my thumb represents the planet, and if you like, the universe. The internet allows us to shrink the Earth and create global networks of like-minded friends."

I have modified the above 'hand analogy' when working with children in schools. They can apply their love and actions to their fellow students and their teachers, as well as friends, siblings and parents

Think about it. How effective will our efforts be without starting at home? In my mind, since everything is interconnected, every positive action affects the whole. The entire world is contained within me. Therefore, inner peace implies outer or world peace. I need to heal myself in order to heal the world. I need to start with me.

Our words have real, lasting meaning when they totally reflect our being, our presence. When we live what we speak, we do make a difference. I do my best to live up to this intention each day. Some days I succeed. Some days I fail. No matter—tomorrow’s another day.

Here’s an affirmation I made years ago based on a Sting song:

Every step I make; every breath I take; every thought I have; every word I speak brings me peace.

Say that aloud while looking in the mirror each morning with a big, cheesy smile and repeat it to yourself throughout the day. See what happens with your feelings and in your life. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I've got to go. It's time to make breakfast and play a game with Amira. Service starts at home.

Don't worry. Be happy.

Love,
John