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A Joyful Path, Year Three – Week 36: Being A Blessing To Others — Story: Blessings In The Forest

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By Published On: July 15, 2022Comments Off on A Joyful Path, Year Three – Week 36: Being A Blessing To Others — Story: Blessings In The Forest

 

 

Week 36: Spring
Lesson 30: Being a Blessing to Others

I can be a blessing when my cup is full and overflowing.

Getting to the Heart of the Lesson

Each religion of the world teaches how to take care of others through acts of generosity, being kind, extending hospitality and treating others as we want to be treated. In some interpretations, there is a “tit-for-tat” implication that if you treat others well, God will love you or you will accumulate reward in the next life, or some other promise. And while it may feed the spiritual practice of some to live into this understanding, it is also true that these interpretations are limited understandings of the deeper wisdom in these texts. When the illusion of “reward” is removed, we often find that it is our pure love and a desire to connect and feel connected that remains. Our inner Spirit nudges us toward being spiritually healthy, whole and present.

This week’s lesson is about “being a blessing,” and like so many of the lessons this year, we are being asked to explore this teaching from a place of abundance, flow and equity. In this week’s affirmation we read, “I can be a blessing when my cup is full and overflowing.” Contrary to a growth-dependent economy, this does not mean: I accumulate and give only when I have amassed way more than I need. Instead, this means: Like a tree, I find the taproot and participate in the cycles and systems that support the whole. From this place, I am a member who – through activity and rest, give and take – participates in the rhythm and flow of sufficiency, abundance, thriving! There is plenty and each of us can be a blessing to others when we practice with trust, care and faith in Earth’s cycles.

Teacher Reflection/Activity

Some reading and a 10-20 min exercise (more if you have time and wish to take it) so you are able to experience the teachings offered through this week’s lesson.

Read through the lesson before your time with the children. Decide which Activity Exploration will work best for your class (There are usually two options; choose one.). Just below the heading, “Children’s Lesson and Story” you will find the preparations checklist for this lesson so you can collect any needed materials or make arrangements to support your selected activity.

Sacred Text Quotes

Hebrew Scriptures. Proverbs 22:9 (NRSV)

Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

Christian Scriptures. 1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV)

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Christian Scriptures. Acts 20:35 (NRSV)

In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Christian Scriptures. Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV)

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). Yajur Veda 36.18

Strong One, make me strong. May all beings look on me with the eye of a friend! May I look on all beings with the eye of a friend! May we look on one another with the eye of a friend!

African Traditional Religions. Nupe Proverb (Nigeria)

The dog says, “If you fall down and I fall down, the play will be enjoyable.”

Wisdom Quotes

Rest and self care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. ― Eleanor Brownn

Each person must live their life as a model for others. ― Rosa Parks

Anytime we can listen to our true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch. ― Parker Palmer

Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world. ― Pema Chodron

Be sure to click here to download the Teaching Introduction and Instructions.

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