"At first I started doing small things - fixing a meal for sick friends, baby-sitting for young parents who needed time to be alone together, making calls to older people who were shut in. These first small steps led to more, and then still more. I continued doing service because it required my energy and focus, and I enjoyed the love that I received in return." — The Awakening Heart, page 33
As I reread this verse exemplifying our theme for this quarter’s WAVES Newsletter, I am reminded that it was these small acts of service that helped to bring Betty out of her depression and agoraphobia after her near-death experience. Service often helps to take our attention off of ourselves and refocus it on the needs of others.
As WAVES, we are called to be of service to others. Betty has this to say regarding service on our “About WAVES” page:
“By uniting our talents, we can reach out in a bigger way. I encourage you to explore your own heart and determine what you can do as a W.A.V.E. to make a difference where you live. I encourage you to join with other W.A.V.E.S in your area or to begin a group of your own. You could meet monthly or as often as you desire. You might select a name for your W.A.V.E.S group to set you apart and identify yourselves in a unique way. Once the group is established, the goal is to go about doing good in your community, giving service, lifting souls, and spreading God's love in ways fitting your talents, energies, and desires.“
We can all make a difference in the world -- to someone or to many -- as we live out Betty’s vision for WAVES by finding ways to make a positive difference in our communities. Whenever possible, we can add to the positive influence of our works by joining with other WAVES in our area to carry out these good works together.
As the New Year approaches, what better time to ask ourselves, “How can I be of greater service to others in the coming year?” A year full of possibilities awaits us! Thinking back on the times when you have been of service to others, I’m sure you will agree with me that rarely in life is there a feeling quite as good as when you know you’ve helped bring some measure of joy to another person.
My prayer for each of us as WAVES this coming year is that together we will act to bring unconditional love to others. As we come together and form local chapters of WAVES, there are endless ways for us to make a positive impact right where we live. Here is a reminder of the suggestions Betty has provided for us:
“Whether as part of a group or on their own, here are some ideas of what W.A.V.E.S might do:
- Visit the Embraced By The Light Prayer Page daily and pray for those who have left requests
- Start a reading group at a local bookstore or in a home to discuss spiritually uplifting books
- Contribute your efforts to local volunteer organizations
- Visit hospitals or care facilities, bringing comfort, companionship, or prayer to someone in need
- Take notice of widows, the aged, or single parents in your neighborhood and offer caring support in simple ways
- Visit or write letters of comfort and encouragement to the grieving or those who may be far from home
- Begin a prayer group
- Choose a worthy cause and help raise funds
- Support community efforts to maintain high moral values in your area
Share your successes with other W.A.V.E.S groups by participating here online.”
May our Christmas spirit extend well beyond the parameters of this holiday season! I wish each of you a special year ahead of blessings, service and joy.
Love,
Kristen
