In a state of servanthood, it is the Beloved within us in service to Its own revelation.
*Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. For Love of the Real: A Story of Life's Mystical Secret.
He was sitting, cello on the floor, playing, as I entered the barbershop. He lifted his head to welcome me. I was surprised at how young he was, all the barbers from my past being much older, as though barbering was only for older adults.
Walking down the sidewalk toward my truck, I had turned back to inquire about later getting my beard trimmed. The visit turned into a long conversation without any incoming customers. He shared about his training on the cello for a year, his back problem from slipping on the ice in his early 20s, of financial difficulties, training to be a barber, and gave advice on the purchase of a bulb to assist with depression during the winter months here in Maine.
Before leaving, he smiled and said he was delighted by the visit. He had been alone and getting bored. We said our goodbyes. I went, walking down the sidewalk.
Something had happened during that visit... I could feel it. No trace was left of having done anything in the hallowed sharing. Nonetheless, something beautiful had happened, something kind.
* * *
Over the days, this encounter time kept arising to mind. The sense arose of surprise that I had turned back, being a newcomer and outsider to the town, and entered the shop ~ as though what was needed to happen, happened, as I often write ~ spontaneously.
Something happened, sacred, lovely, and no one was present to say how or to claim having done it. The meeting lacked self-consciousness, as though an "I" was within, even surrounded by this sharing happening, a movement larger than any participants, even any choice to share. Still, I was there, he was there, we were there.
* * *
Earlier in my life, I had a solid intent to serve others. This was nurtured through my love of Jesus. Many would say I served well. I was often commended for this in varied roles ~ teaching, pastoral care, counseling, chaplaincy, and writing. I took pride in this; I saw myself as a servant.
I no longer see myself as the principal servant in this serving. Life is blessing others? Through others, Life blesses me?
* * *
Serving others arising naturally in-the-moment let it happen! get out of the way
self-offering is a natural unfolding with the way you 'walk' keep 'walking' and you will serve and be served naturally, unplanned
live with a silent "Yes" to Life shine upon without intent to shine give without thought of yourself as a servant Life serves, is served one served, everyone served
and when a timeless moment of blessing arises let it leave fulfilled, no traces, no ownership touching others' lives is one way Life keeps happening sacred exchange occurs in communion then, like Life, serving is not personal so free of the limitations of "you" being a servant
Is the Sun shining, giving light, personal? Is the rain falling, giving water, personal? Is the flower blooming, giving beauty, personal?
rather than you blessing another, subject to object, you together are in this Kindness unfolding of Itself only be the anonymous conduit through which others drink of the Water of Life in their drinking, you drink in pure giving, each one is One sharing a timeless moment of Grace-happening
what is the 'perfume' left? Joy ~ selfless, grateful, serene... bliss!
*Use of photography is allowed accompanied by credit given to Brian K. Wilcox and title and place of photographs.
*Brian's book, An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major online booksellers or the publisher AuthorHouse.
