I am inspired to serve in three primary ways: when a need to do so is apparent; when I observe others who are being of service; and when, though infrequent, when I experience a spiritual leading to be of service in some way.

I admit with a measure of frustration and sadness, however, that in recent years my back issues have prevented me from responding to large scale crises near or far. Having been trained in crisis work years ago I remember the number one rule was that my needs cannot outweigh the needs of those who need the help! So I have had to find other gentler ways to serve that kept my back happy.
– Kevin

As a baseline, working with and caring for people, photography and writing are skills and gifts that I know that I have. And these skillsets get utilized in somewhat organic, unplanned and natural ways as I move through time in early retirement.

Lately I have been holding up the thought, in prayer and in contemplation, the concept of doing “photography for good,” in ways that benefit others and brings either comfort or awareness to an issue. The concept is not new, I realize, and there exist several organizations that do this on a large scale, globally, and sometimes for profit, or personal enrichment, which I am not interested in. My thought is to bring the concept of “photography for good” into a spiritual setting, perhaps under the care of Quakers, so that those who have a passion for creating images can nurture one another, prayerfully, share ideas, and produce photographic projects that in the end benefit others in ways that might not happen if working individually.

That’s my idea. I welcome comments or ideas from the good people at Gratefulness. (Thanks)

Seems to me that I can respond to a particular challenge without utilizing my “higher self” and, though it may not be pretty, I just might get lucky and succeed. This happens rarely, thank goodness and it’s nothing to be proud of. Conversely, when I respond to a challenge and employ the best of who and what I am as a person, emotionally and spiritually, my odds of succeeding and finishing “well” certainly increase. However, if I am fortified with my higher self in play and I still fail, then I have permission to walk away and to let it go knowing that I gave it my all.
– Kevin

So many experiences, from subtle to profound, have shaped my spiritual life over the years that it’s hard to know where to begin. But here’s a worthy starter list:

An experience of Christ (not the Church) at work in my life,
followed by other powerful spiritual revelations of sources beyond the judeo-Christian traditions.
Being a Quaker.
Farming.
Photography.
Working with children.
Witnessing the birth of a child.
Having a family.
The spirit of music.
Being on and near the ocean.
Receiving and sharing the gift of healing.
– Kevin

In the course of a day I try to look for opportunities to do a useful act or deed that benefits another person and, when possible, for it to happen without fanfare or mention. For me, it’s not about paying things, kindness or whatever forward, it’s about paying attention to where help or action may be needed. I think that the whole “pay it forward” cultural phenomenon, though worthy on its surface, can also get frantic at times to the point where paying whatever forward becomes more important than the “why” and the reason for it.
– Kevin

This is an excellent question for me. Generally, as a retired person for almost two years now, I have already let go of many things, and willingly, that related to my previous work. So I’ve got the “letting go” thing down fairly well.

Today, I set daily goals for myself that range from mundane chores to more creative things involving service, photography, rowing or writing, etc. Yet now and then moments of spontaneous opportunity come along when I have to remind myself that it’s okay to set aside what I had planned to do, and just say “yes,” let’s do it or “let’s go” and not look back, knowing that there’s always another day to do what I had planned for that hour or even the whole day. I’ve had to be mindful of this and practice it, actually, in order to truly “let go” with a measure of ease and honest acceptance.
– Kevin

Congratulations Christina! I used to write a column for a small local paper some years ago and I enjoyed it greatly. I’m not sure that I’d do that again…but maybe…as my post to today’s questions reveals just now! I have enjoyed the articles that I wrote for Gratefulness though, and a couple of other online sites too, but I’m not sure I’d want to get back into doing a weekly, or even a monthly gig again….and all for zero $!

But really, I’m very happy to hear that you’re getting back out there!