The Greatest Service

"Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
 Ramana Maharshi
 
The snow had been falling heavily all night. Waking at 6 am I took my tea to sit before the window. I looked out at the bird feeder that I had filled just yesterday, now covered with snow. My thoughts turned inward even as my eyes remained watching the snow sifting down upon the feeder.
 
How, I wondered, can I continue to pursue my individual quest for spiritual development, benefiting only myself, when I want to be of service in this world?  As always, my questions became prayers and I asked God.
 
The snow blew past the window, a beautiful, wintry scene. A small gray and white junco landed on the feeder. I was surprised to see him there, they are naturally ground feeders. He hopped about, then chose one spot and scratched the snow away, revealing the seeds underneath. He scratched and the snow flew off.  He ate.  He sat for a long while undisturbed and fed.

​Deep in my ponderings I took note of his activities with mild interest. He flew off, leaving the safety of the feeder. Shortly after he left, a chickadee flew in, grabbed a seed from the hole the junco had dug, and flew off. Then, another chickadee did the same. A tufted titmouse followed suit, taking one seed and flying to a nearby branch to eat it. Then a white-breasted nuthatch flew to the edge of the feeder, hung upside down for a moment, clambered over the edge, took a seed and flew off. The birds kept coming, one at a time, each taking a seed from the space cleared by the junco.
 
How interesting, I thought, just by doing his own thing, the junco has provided a service for others. The lights went on inside with a feeling of excitement. The junco knew instinctively how to dig for his food, as he did so he cleared the way for the others.
 
We too can dig deep, opening to Spirit, and thereby make the nourishment of Spirit accessible to others. We too, in doing what our hearts need and love to do can be of service. 

Photo credit Lisa de Leon 

Your Spiritual Toolbox

God/Spirit/Higher Self is always available to answer your questions.

When you have a question turn it into a prayer and ask for clarity and guidance. Then relax and have faith that your question will be answered.

Stay alert, guidance comes in many different forms. It may even come as a symbolic message encoded in what is going on around you, like a small junco at a birdfeeder.