In the Science of Mind textbook, Rev. Dr. Ernest Holmes reminds us "We should give of ourselves in love and in service to others, in a spirit of generosity and good-fellowship. To refuse to give is to refuse to receive, for everything moves in circles. Real giving is the givingness of the self. A kind word, a thoughtful act, perhaps just a smile, can help lighten the burdens of others."

He reminds us that service is a way to make use of your talent not for your own gain, not even for the glory derived from its use it is an attitude of gratitude that ultimately transforms us.

I've decided to look at how we show up as an act of service to the world around us. How we choose to behave in the world really does matter. So following are some ideas of ways to be of service to your family, your friends, your community and as Buzz Lightyear would say, "to infinity and beyond."

One of Rev. Dr. Ernest Holmes most known quotes is "change your thinking, change your life." The things you think about, focus on, and surround yourself with ultimately shape who you become. Why not choose to be POSITIVE.

Very few things happen instantaneously. Using time, pressure and patience, the universe gradually changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls, and coal into diamonds. Learn to practice PATIENCE with yourself and with those you interact with. Trust me I haven't always been a patient person, in fact I joked about my impatience.

This year I'm learning what it means when people say "patience is a virtue."

It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you aren't really living at all – you're merely existing. Try something new, do something different, show the world you have COURAGE.

When LOVE is your guiding light, you can break through barriers and be a loving presence in the world. The Bible says to "love your neighbor as yourself". It is asking us to show the exact same level of care, compassion, and respect to those around us that we naturally give to ourselves.

Tell the TRUTH, or eventually someone will tell it for you. Next month we are going to be reviewing Don Miguel Ruiz' book, The Four Agreements. The first Agreement is Be Impeccable with Your Word. When you are impeccable with your word, you really don't have to worry about what you have said to whom.

Instead of thinking about what you're missing, be GRATEFUL for all the good in your life. You can focus on anything you choose, why not choose to focus on what you have instead of focusing on what is missing. The Universe is always listening and responding so personally I would rather multiply an attitude of gratitude than the opposite.

RESPONSIBILITY means recognizing that regardless of what has happened up to this point in your life, you are capable of making choices to change your situation, or to change the way you think about it.

You can choose to let your past define you and confine you, or you can choose to learn, GROW, and leave it behind you. You are the writer of your story. Don't let other people have your pen.

I love the song by John Astin, Love, Serve and Remember, we used to sing it every Sunday. It's an excellent reminder on why we are here.

"Why have you come to earth, do you remember? Why have you taken birth? Why have you come? To love, serve and remember...to love, serve and remember...to love, serve and remember to love." ~John Astin

Blessings on your journey,
Rev. Gayle