Are you nervous? Always anxious? Worried about many things? Or do you have a temper that is often out of control?
I was thinking about how meditation can change your life–or rather your personality and how you approach life. Years ago, I’d have had to answer yes to those questions. I’ve been seriously practicing meditation for more than 30 years, so I don’t remember when it was that I noticed a personality change. It’s not 100 percent, but none of us are perfect. Throughout all the economic turmoil of the 80s when I worked for a series of companies that went out of business, I was able to maintain some equilibrium because of the peace and focus that meditation brought.
Tonight our small group will be looking at the Spiritual Disciplines of Submission and Service. During preparation to lead these discussions the thought came to me–these are really conscious choices we should make about how to live our lives as we live with God.
Submission means laying aside my ego so that I’m free from having to prove myself–to myself and others. I just live each day with God and others recognizing their worth and that I don’t need to have my own way with them.
Service is a lifestyle choice, that is a way of living where my response to God is to do something for others. Often little things. I’ve discovered joy from doing the little, unexpected courtesies for others. Or when someone does something for me. It becomes just a natural part of your walk with God to serve others. Maybe someone reading this is or will be doing something great that will generate an article in The New York Times. Or it may be taking soup to an elderly neighbor.
It’s how you live your life. And as you practice those disciplines, then you will look back one day and exclaim at how much your life has changed for the better. You discover that you have the fruits of the Spirit within you without even seeking them directly–love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Faith Venture 
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