So, I’m sitting here at 4:20 am visualizing this article in my head while I breastfeed my youngest child. I’m tired but that doesn’t matter because it’s my job to serve, to serve God in my kids. I’m here to meet her needs and that’s important too, because she relies upon me. We all have people who rely upon us in some way or other.
When I first heard of the four S’s, dubbed the path of the ‘Ruby Ray’ of ‘selflessness’, ‘sacrifice,’ ‘surrender’ and ‘service,’ the very words were distasteful in my mouth. I was not so self-sacrificial back then and the idea that I should aspire to anything like that did not appeal to me. Then I grew up and had kids! While I admit much room for growth (don’t we all?) I now no longer feel aversion to the words. While they seem hard at times, instead of secretly hoping I’ll never be asked to embody them, I just pray to be a good mum, with all my heart. I pray to be there for my family, and serve them as best I can.
We’re all here to serve, in whatever capacity we are called. As a parent, we serve every day. Not that I haven’t proverbially ‘kicked against the pricks,’ but a little bit of forced service has made me a more unselfish person. Seriously! Of course, it’s all our choice and karma and I accept my lot with love. The Ascended Master Lanello has told us that we ascend a little bit each time we sacrifice and that the more private it is between us and God, the better![i] Perfect for us parents.
Selflessness is basically the same, at least to me. Giving on a daily basis in little sacrifices = selflessness. Service, well, we already touched on that. I guess you could look at it as the daily giving of a selfless person. As for surrender, I find that a little trickier. However, here is a key to our path from Lanello: In letting go we are able to go much faster, spiritually speaking. In doing so, we “impel God to dwell within us more powerfully, magically and beautifully.”[ii]
At times we all struggle with these four S’s of parenting. Know that whatever you’re facing right now, your giving counts, God notices, and that it’s eternally valuable!
What are your thoughts on selfless parenting? How has it helped you become a better person? Leave your questions and comments in the box below.
[ii] Discourse by Lanello, September 30, 2014, “The Magical Power of Sacrifice in the Life of the Initiate,” The Hearts Center, http://www.heartscenter.org/TeachingsBlogs/Blogs/AscendedMasterWisdom/tabid/809/ArticleID/450/The-Magical-Power-of-Sacrifice-in-the-Life-of-the-Initiate.aspx