It hit me that being in service does not always mean getting to volunteer at a non-profit or feeding the homeless. Sometimes, it is being available to your own loved ones. It means showing up regularly so they know to rely on you. To be their anchor, their person who they know will support them without judgment, pity or opinion. It means that being acknowledged, or hearing a thanks is not the end game. The ultimate reward is that they are okay. That they are loved, taken care of, that they are here, now.
I always thought that being in service meant doing things for strangers, but more and more, I see so much more opportunity to be there for ones who I see on a regular basis. It could mean just a call, a quick coffee, a check in to see how they are. Too often, it is easy to take the ones closest to us for granted. To wait for them to seek support or mention something rather than just reach out and touch base with them.
I realize now that when I open myself to being in service, it truly does not matter who it is that I am doing things for. Because being in service is not about ego, pride or acclaim. It is about showing up for others, noticing them. Really seeing them in their space and being ready to serve without question.
Happy Monday!
Sanjay Sabarwal's Blog 