Work is love made visible. And if you can’t work with love, but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of the people who work with joy. ~ Khalil Gibran, on “Work,” from The Prophet

As Labor Day approaches, we may still ponder its meaning for us, even though this year’s weekend will be quite different from those of the past.  In fact, as we honor workers everywhere who have made substantial contributions to the strength, prosperity, and wellbeing of  our country, we realize what deep gratitude we owe to the “front-line workers” during this time of Covid-19.  They continue their tireless endeavors to save lives, support healing, and comfort those who would, otherwise, have died alone.

Many of us have done what we could to maintain our day-to-day activities from home, learning the joys of Zoom and other means of virtual connection.  Meetings, classes, and essential activities on line have become the “new normal,” and we have increased our knowledge and flexibility in the process.  Despite missing our colleagues and in-person meetings, we have been able to continue business-not-as-usual and have reason to feel both pride and gratitude for our ability and willingness to learn and grow.

We have also discovered how meaningful it can be to enter more often into stillness, in order to do our “inner work,” reviewing limiting thoughts and subjective patterns that may need to be expanded or transformed, and renewing our commitment to our core beliefs.  This Work deserves a capital “W,” as well, for it is as we enter willingly into doing what is ours to do internally, we are guided and motivated to take this same attitude into our daily activities.

Let’s choose to enter in with joy and gratitude to the even the simplest task and certainly into the grand activities that are ours to do, realizing that no one can perform your responsibilities nearly as well as you.  This is sacred work, and I join you in moving through each day in a consciousness of delight in all that we choose to accomplish.

One week from tonight, from 6:30 – 9:00 P.M., we begin our dynamic, eight-week course, “Treat Yourself to Life,” based on Raymond Charles Barker’s book by the same name.  This is an accredited class with Centers for Spiritual Living and a sweet opportunity to bring more love, prosperity, health, and creativity into your life. Simply register with Linda O’Neill at admin@cslphilly.com and she will e-mail you the class materials, as well as the Zoom link.  Let her know if you have or need the book itself.

Thank you for continuing to join our live-streamed Sunday Celebrations each week on You Tube and Facebook.  You may access either through our website, www.cslphilly.org. Our fresh theme for September will be “Everything New,” and this Sunday’s topic is, “Rethinking Work.” Our Zoom Socials* will now be held the first Sunday of each month, directly after our Celebration, and this is the number to use if you wish to join us for a short time of conversation.  *(Go to zoom.us and enter this Meeting I.D. number: 839 5103 2452)

Do contact one of our Practitioners for spiritual support, as they are standing by to continue healing and revealing greater truth for all. You will find them on our website, along with information on current classes and other activities, and archived Sunday Celebrations and Love Notes from Rev. Mike and me. Thank you for keeping your Beloved Community strong with your prayers and financial support.

With great love and respect,

Dr. Maxine