October 2, 2002

“My Grandfather’s Blessings” by Rachel Remen

[As a doctor] “ … I thought that serving life was a thing of drama and action and split-second judgment calls.  A question of going sleepless and riding in ambulances and outwitting the angel of death. . . Service was larger than ordinary life, and those who served were larger than life.  But now I know that this is only the least part of the nature of service.  That service is small and quiet and everywhere.  That, far more often, we serve by who we are and not by what we know.  And every one serves, whether they know it or not. . . Service is based on the premise that all life is worthy of our support and commitment.” [pp. 4,21]

“Sometimes a wound is the place where we encounter life for the first time where we come to know its power and its ways.  Wounded, we find a wisdom that will enable us to live better than any knowledge and glimpse a view of ourselves and of life that is both true and unexpected. . .  How tempting. . . to put the struggles behind you as quickly as possible and get on with your life.  Life might be easier then, but far less genuine.  Perhaps the wisdom lies in engaging the life you have been given as fully and courageously as possible and not letting go until you find the unknown blessing that is in everything.” [p. 25-7]

“We restore the holiness of the world through our loving kindness and compassion.  Everyone participates.  It is a collective task.  Every act of loving kindness, no matter how great or small, repairs the world.  All those ever born have shared this collective work since the beginning of time. [p. 329]

[Note:  Rachel Remen wrote two books filled with wisdom: “My Grandfather’s Blessings” and “Kitchen Table Wisdom.  I keep both on the shalf next to my desk and read them frequently. NLS]