...As I handed the station attendant Forty Dollars for filling up my gas tank, my heart sank a little at the added expense these higher gas prices have caused. Nonetheless, it remains a necessary expense; I must keep my car fueled up, so that I can get to work, the grocery store, and show up for my other responsibilities throughout the week.
It got me thinking about the Gathering of Light. You see, for me, the GOL is my spiritual filling station. It's where I go to get my spiritual tank filled, so that I can show up for life, attuned with the Divine and equipped with all that I need to shine my light in my day-to-day encounters.
Of course, I need to maintain my spiritual condition; I need to practice spiritual principles and utilize the tools of prayer and meditation throughout the week. These help me to demonstrate humility, tolerance, and love for the overlooked ones in all their disguises. These tools are just as important to get me through the week as the accelerator and tires of my car are to get me from place to place.
But let's face it - if there is no fuel in my car, I'm not going anywhere. And if there's no filling station for my soul, no gathering of light to bask in the warmth of the son, I am independently unable to heed the call that the Divine has placed within me.
So I had to ask myself, how much am I willing to give for the Gathering of Light? How much would I pay for a ticket to sit at the Divine's table and eat of the everlasting bread? How much is it worth to have my spiritual tank filled? Do I show gratitude for this precious gift that is freely bestowed upon me at Gathering of Light from week to week? How about you? Would you donate the same Forty Dollars a week I just spent at the gas station for a worldly tool? Would you be willing to give an extra hour of your time once a month to set-up or clean-up the meeting place of your Divine? Can you bring a snack?
Ponder this - "is my soul as important as my car?" Is the Divine's call on my life as important as my earthly job? How much am I willing to give to make sure the filling station remains open, and the attendants have all that they need to serve me and our community? I would be devastated if I lost my job, but Jesus once said, "what does it profit you to gain the whole world if you don't take care of your soul?" The Gathering of Light is my soul's station - the beacon on a hill, the safe harbor in the midst of sometimes unbearable storms. It's the fuel station - and without the fuel - I'm not going anywhere.
One thing I know for sure. It's a universal principle - if you give, more will be given to you. You cannot out give God(dess). It is impossible...
This too, I know, if I think "someone else will keep the station going, my donations aren't really necessary," other people must think that way too. But if we all thought that way, then nobody would give of their time, their talent or treasure, and the consequence of that is something I would rather not entertain. My old pastor use to say, "if you want to know what is most important to you, for real, look at your checking account statements and a few months of your appointment book...
So, I challenge you - turn in your thimble, and come back with your pail. I dare you! Watch what the Divine will do.