If like me you are a fan of period dramas you will have a visceral sense of the hierarchy associated with the notion of service – a system where the so called lesser are in service of the so called greater.
Even though in many ways (though for sure not all) our society in the West has moved to a more egalitarian system we still tend to associate the word ‘service’ with servitude, or being a lesser function.
In truth, service at its core is a privilege. Done well, it is a spontaneous outflow of a loving heart. Those who really connect with the notion of service want, deep in their being, to help others. Not in a self-sacrificial or pleasing others sense, but because they see and are deeply connected to the interconnectedness of the whole. They express their service from a place of humility, seeking to make the lives of others better. Be they members of their family, community, team, organisation as a whole or indeed a nation or group of nations.
We could look to the life of HRH Queen Elizabeth here in the UK and see a life seemingly of material and positional privilege. However we don’t have to look much look deeper to see someone who has dedicated herself beyond all to the service of her country and people.
We all have the potential to step UP into service if we are in contact with our hearts and a commitment to the common good.