Today's Thought - June

[bluidkiti]

June 25

Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.

~Shirley Chisholm

None of us could have reached this day entirely on our own. Each of us can look back at moments in our lives when we’ve been helped or encouraged by another person. A family member, teacher, sponsor, or friend may have offered us mentoring or unconditional love. The words or example of a stranger, a public figure, an artist, or a writer may have afforded us inspiration at just the moment when we needed encouragement.

We can do no less for others as we continue on our journeys. We do not have to take responsibility for others’ lives, nor should we disregard our own needs. But there are many ways we can make a difference, each according to our preference. We can offer time and talent to our community, recovery program, or family of choice. We can share our experience, strength, and hope with individuals or groups. We can show up and do some of the work that’s necessary to maintain the institutions that have offered so much to us. We can keep it by giving it away.

Today, I express my gratitude through service, freely given.

Today's reading is from the book Glad Day: Daily Meditations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People*