Being of Service - Part 2

First of all, we must serve ourselves.

You may think that sounds selfish. It isn't. In his book "The Seven Habits", Steven Covey says, "before you cut the tree, sharpen your saw". That means that before you are any use to other people, to the world, or to the Universe, you must look to your own strength, your own health, your intellect, your emotional health, your relationships, your hopes, your dreams, your ideas, your finances, your home, your family, your happiness. Sharpening your saw means learning to use your God-given talents to the maximum. It means study, it means practice, and it means forethought. It means seeking advice. Improving yourself is a process that never ends.

The need for self-improvement is not because you are inadequate in any way. No one knows everything, and we all have gaps in our learning and our understanding. Learning is something that should be part of every life.

Some one said to me, "When you think you KNOW, then growth becomes impossible. Humility just means remaining open and teachable. When you are teachable, new knowledge can reach you and take root easily.

When you prepare yourself thoroughly, your life will flow easier than you could imagine. When you are strong, healthy, calm, relaxed, enthused, and clear in direction, what an incredible power you will represent. Spirit will flow to you and through you to move the mountains in your life, and you will both inspire and assist those around you.

By now it is a cliché that the airline safety cards tell the adults to put their oxygen mask on first, before helping any children with theirs. You cannot be of maximum help in a weakened state, so before you think of serving others, take some time to serve yourself first.