The work of this dark season of the year is centered on myth, magic, and the materials to bring that about.
Sometimes it just seems like a pressure and stress, which could easily overwhelm or can just as easily delight.
It is important to remember that one is creating the rituals of a cultural definition of how to be in service to that which is sacred – our actions and interpretations make HOLY.
Our hands are infesting the feasts and celebrations with calories of love and infusions of meaning in hopes of enlightening outcomes.
To be of service in these preparations is the work of the divine – or prayer in action.
John Wesley, who in the eighteenth century founded the Protestant Methodism movement, devoted his life to helping others. Here he lays out as spiritually literate an understanding of service as anyone writing today.
Do all the good you can
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
What is the intended significance of your service as you light the candles, sing the carols and partake of this Season?
How does this service help you receive the spirit of Love?
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on Dec 18th, 2009 at 4:40 am
Hi Patricia .. that does seem to sum it all up .. do all we can.
I’ll be giving my mother the best I can this year as it may well be her last, on the other hand with her indominatable spirit – who knows!
For me – I’ll try and catch my tail, so 2010 can be productive and then I’ll be freer to help others more than I can now.
However we have a few elderly in the street, whom I will spare some time for … time is precious for me – but just as it is for them to have a little company at this time.
Thanks – you do so much for us .. guiding us forward to do the best for the world at large ..
You look after yourself .. with love and thoughts –
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..Kissing under the Mistletoe – how did it all begin? and Asterix!
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Hilary,
I recognize that thinking that this might be the last celebration. It was important to keep those things in mind during the last year of my mum’s life.
I think to be in the present moment is significant in keeping me from getting tired and exhausted as I bake and decorate and clean in preparation…I want to be there for the celebration parts too…
You have some nice plans for the season…thank you for sharing, I appreciate your good words and ideas. You too take care….
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Hi Patricia.
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can….” This reminds me to remind myself that people do what they are able to do… or believe they are able to do. Leave less room for disappointment and blame and more room for compassion and understanding.
Davina´s last blog ..Night Before Christmas — Rewritten
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Davina,
This was what my mum had posted as her life mission – she memorized it as a girl attending the United Church of Canada…we put it on the cover of her memorial service hand out….it fit her life well…..
I just put this great video from You Tube on my facebook page…I will try to send it to you email
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
My intended quest this season is to draw nearer to friends and family. And to impress upon the Child the reason for Christmas, the birth of a man who showed us a kinder way.
And just to be thankful for life. I still can’t believe we’re here, can you?
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..With Not A Dry Parental Eye In The House
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
John Wesley was a wise man! This is the time of year when I find contempation and recognition and revisitation of the previous year and all it’s ups/downs comes naturally. A period of celebration of life and love and thankfulness.
Talon´s last blog .."…and a partridge in a pear treeeeeee!"
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Jannie,
You are rigtht, I still can’t believe I am here! Amazed am I!
Talon,
Wise words…love and thankfulness…remembering and drawing close…yep that’s it!
on Dec 21st, 2009 at 12:44 am
That is a perfect quote and I like how it builds momentum.
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..8 Ways to Be Heroic
on Dec 21st, 2009 at 9:24 am
J.D.
Yes, I think it is a powerful quote and to think it has so much age…maybe a giant shoulder’s of a quote!
Patricia´s last blog ..Peaceful Service – Practices of Peace
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 6:59 am
Patricia, this is beautiful!
I love the lines:
“how to be in service to that which is sacred
To be of service in these preparations is the work of the divine – or prayer in action.”
exactly where my heart is lately,..
and I am preparing certainly for something so profound..
the heart must expand to receive it.. and we learn so most as we teach one another- an open vessel
Thank you for sharing so well!
blessings into 2010!
I appreciate networking with you..
~Jenn
Jenn Z´s last blog ..Feeling Stuck and Learning to Love Imperfection:
on Dec 22nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Jenn,
I enjoy reading your lovely writing and I am glad you enjoyed this piece. Blessing to you and yours in 2010