Here we are in the beautiful month of October, and I’ve chosen “Serving” as the theme. Serving is such a glorious way to participate in life as we give from the storehouse of wealth within our own being. And by wealth I’m not just talking about money. Our lives can be rich, wealthy, and healthy in all aspects particularly when we give of our time, talent and treasure. Time is one of the most valuable of all commodities. We all have been given the same amount each day. And none of us know when our “expiration” date will come. So each day when we “wake on the right side of the grass” as Hugh Cowan used to say, is a precious gift. To serve with our time can involve volunteering in the community or just spending time with someone who is alone. How we spend our time is of utmost importance and when we do it with intention, we and others are blessed. The second “T” is our talent. Remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30? Use your talents wisely and they will multiply, not just for you but for those around you. We all have unique abilities, and they don’t have to be outstanding. If you like to cook, take a meal to a shut-in. Do you like to sing? Join a choir.
The third “T” is our treasure. No matter what our income is, we can consciously give. I firmly espouse the practice of tithing. That means we give 10% of our gross income to where we are fed spiritually. It’s amazing when you establish this practice, you find it’s easy to live on the 90% left after you have given the 10% first. I’ve tithed to churches, singers, authors, and just folks we inspire me in some way.
Say with me: “Today I am ready, willing, and able to give of my time, talent, and treasure, pressed down and _ owing over. I do this with a glad and grateful heart. And it is so.”gh and as me this day.”
—Rev. Gay Beauregard, Alpine Church of Spiritual Living