Service: Wishful Thinking, Occasional Acts, a Hobby, or… a Way of Life?

Although in this economy, and with significant expenses in my future, I am thankful and happy to have a job. In fact, I am thinking of going back to full-time. But there is always a place in my heart and mind that is playing out a life in which I do not have to work. Dennis used to think I was joking around, but he is starting to get the picture. “If I didn’t work, I could go to Grace Ways,” I say. Or “We could let go of the housekeeper and gardener.” Even “I could actually cook dinner for us most nights – with food from the garden”… But more importantly, won’t I have more time to serve?

This is the thing: I want to serve. But somehow I don’t ever do it. Yes, I am in two small groups through church, and we are supposed to be doing service projects. We do perform our worship service every now and then, but that is it. Don’t get me wrong – I celebrate this accomplishment, if you will, and it is fuel. My participation in “What’s Happening” is too joyful to be considered service. But I hear a call to do more. So now I am trying to move from wishfully thinking about service, to making it at least an occasional act. Then, it won’t be long before it becomes my hobby. And then, perhaps, a way of life. Right?

Being in Nellore with Titus and his family and the AH India community was such an inspiration to me. You may have heard me say that communing with Titus kind of makes one want to drop everything, rent an apartment in Nellore, and get busy with AH India. For those of you who do not know, Titus actually has a day job. He and his wife, Arathi, are professors at one of the local colleges. So how, you may be wondering, is he also the pastor at Abiding Hope Nellore? He has commitment and help. Arathi, Marilyne, Williams, and other family members, Karunakar and Ruthamma, Bangaraiah, among others. All of these brothers and sisters of the church come together and create an Abiding Hope community 8700 miles from ours. And it is a wonderful and real example of how we can reach out to others: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, supporting medical teams, offering sewing and spoken English classes – the list is limitless in our hearts and ultimately in reality. As Titus reaches out to others, he is also raising them up - not just those being served, but those who are serving!

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

My mind is made up.

The Trip to India...

“Life of Devotion,” or, Who Has Time for All That?
Although I have many connections to India through work, being there was still a new and overwhelming experience in so many ways. PC and David wisely arranged for the first part of trip to be at Gobind Sadan, where we could introduce ourselves at a manageable pace to this country rich in culture, where ancient history meets modern technology, replete with extreme opposites. Our drive from the airport was long, even though it was late, and gave us an opportunity to observe a Friday night in Delhi. We passed one gated residence after another where weddings were taking place. In fact, November to March is considered “marriage season” due to cooler temperatures and less rain. My neck stretched with curiosity, peering into the gates adorned in twinkle lights and marigold garlands, choked with cars and attendees, where Indian music with a modern flair filled the air.

Gobind Sadan (GS) was a wonderful refuge from the hustle and bustle of Old and New Delhi. Known as “God’s House Without Walls,” GS is an international interfaith community where your spirit can be renewed and faith strengthened. We were not at GS long before I was struck by the many rituals, referred to as Everyday Miracles, that take place, recognizing all faith traditions practiced there. Some rituals were foreign and strange to me: attending devotions at the havan, or sacred fire; sharing Prasad, a sweet crumbly food made of flour, ghee and sugar; and observing Akhand Path, or sacred readings, which apparently go on 24/7 (feel free to settle in for a two-hour turn when you are there). Other acts of devotion were more familiar: Kirtan or hymns of praise often with great healing qualities, like we do at the yoga studio; and Buddhist silent meditation sandwiched between 8am havan and breakfast. After working through the initial reactions to these things (like, do I really have to eat this Prasad?, and, do these singers really need to be mic’d?) the emotions stirred by these daily, almost continuous acts of devotion to the one God of all creation did renew my spirit. What a wonderful and overt way to bring your faith into every day life and create interdependence, community and fellowship.

Particularly moving is the daily evening devotion at Jesus’ Place. The children, among others, excitedly attend the evening worship here, which consists of lighting candles, reciting the Lord’s Prayer, and when we were there, an offering of fruit to each in attendance. I was overcome by the children letting their light shine, their unabashed devotion. Visitors can come to this place anytime to offer flowers, incense and candles. Our host, Sister Mary, who has been living at GS for 18 years, leads them to Jesus’ place for divine blessings and healing.

So while back in the United States we may tread lightly in our faith, at Gobind Sadan, and much of India I suspect, people are openly spiritual. I ponder the possibility of this balanced with political rest and religious tolerance in India. But for me, what boldness! I am inspired to continue my regular and weekly attendance at Worship, sing loud in praise, commit to the fellowship of my formal and informal small groups, and SERVE.

(a full schedule of devotions can be found at http://www.gobindsadan.org/about/daily-activities-a-prayer-life.html)

Our trip to India with folks from church was amazing. Lots of pictures on my Facebook page. I need to write more, but not now. Dinner is in the oven...


Our first homestudy interview is Tuesday, January 6, 2009. We are ready for Kate! Dennis was thrilled to finally buy the gunsafe, which is required for the homestudy report.


Talked to Stephanie at Holt today; she works with the Ethiopia program. We had a nice talk, and she reminded us that we need to decide on a country before the homestudy is complete. Oh yeah. No problem.