Several years ago, while browsing through the career section of my local neighborhood bookstore, I happened upon a small book whose unlikely title combined Zen and career searching. Thumbing through it, I became intrigued, and wound up buying it and taking it home to read.

Like most books on career planning, it had the usual resume tips and worksheets on goal-setting, etc. But what set it apart from other similar books was the importance it placed on finding spiritual fulfillment through work. In particular, the author posited that true fulfillment in any career would only come through the act of providing service to others, in whatever form that might take.

I finished the book and put it on the shelf to gather dust alongside other career type books, and promptly forgot about it. But from time to time over the years, it would pop into my head unbidden. And though in my career track I found myself pursuing corporate jobs that were far removed from anything resembling service, that little book had planted a seed, to the point where, a few years later, I decided it was time to commit a part of my life to helping others.

So I stepped out, signing up to volunteer with a local hospice organization. A few months later, after a job transfer to a new city, I joined an organization that fulfills dreams and wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, Make-A-Wish Foundation. Then, a couple of years ago, I moved on to a volunteer position at a local Ronald McDonald House. In each of these, I found the inner satisfaction and sense of completion that I was longing for.

This issue features articles from WAVES who have found the desire to share their love through service to others. We hope that in reading of their efforts, we too can share in the joy they have found. And perhaps it will further inspire all of us to begin – or continue – sharing the gift of love we have been blessed with.

“Allowing our goodness to ripple into the lives of others will not only bring us closer to the divine, it will create the spiritual Awakening of the world. This Awakening is now gathering momentum, leading many to come closer to God. This movement is universal and unstoppable. And it must proceed from our hearts, our lives, into the lives of others. It is not God’s gracious work alone; it is our work, our opportunity, and it can only progress as we let our lights shine.” – The Ripple Effect, page xvii

From all of us on the Newsletter staff, a happy and blessed Christmas season to each of you! May you know the joy that comes of sharing your light with others in service.