“I am here only to be truly helpful . . .”
This is the first line of a prayer that I say every morning. And I use this line as a “stand alone” throughout the day when I feel uncertain about the situation I am faced with. I believe, completely, that each person on the planet is here to be only helpful, helpful to every other person who is encountered throughout the day. How simple this makes our “assignment.” How manageable this makes the experiences we get to have every day.
The prayer offers me instant relief, actually. And everyone of us deserves a life that is free from angst and fear and uncertainty. Perhaps sharing the entire prayer is appropriate even though I have not offered up a prayer in any other blog post. I do so want to offer you quiet peace, however, and this prayer may be the next right thing for you to read and absorb the meaning of. So here it is: (as we say in 12 step meetings, take what you like and leave the rest)
I am here only to be truly helpful. I am here to represent Him Who sent me. I do not have to worry about what to say or what to do, because He who sent me, will direct me. I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing He goes there with me. I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal.
This prayer comes from A Course in Miracles, a spiritual pathway that caught my attention more than 25 years ago. It’s a pathway that complements the 12 step programs that have assuredly turned my life around, programs that I was introduced to in 1974. Ever since discovering “the course,” in the early 1980’s, I have felt that my life was even more purposeful than I had come to imagine in AA and Al-Anon. Being able to roll out of bed every day, knowing that I would meet who I needed to meet and experience only what I had already agreed to experience at another time although long forgotten; lent an air of excitement to every day. Who will “come calling” today? What will he or she show up to teach me?
There really isn’t a moment to spare in this life. We are always being called to attention: sometimes as listeners; sometimes as doers; sometimes only as detached observers. Regardless of the call, we are necessary. Our presence has been counted on. Our input, though not always verbal, is what makes the experience complete. Being present to be helpful is not a tough assignment. Every experience prior to the one facing us now has prepared us. WE ARE NEVER UNPREPARED FOR WHAT IS PRESENTED TO US. NEVER. Breath deeply. All is well. Always.
sandyb
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much. Your book, “Each Day A New Beginning” has been a part of my daily spiritual practice for over 21 years. I must admit that I did not know who you were until I listened to you speak at the Miracle Distribution Center conference last August. So, WOW! I am so thankful to know we share that journey as well!
I have been a member of AA with over 25 years of continuing sobriety, and I have been asked to be a speaker at meetings many, many times. Except for speaking on workshops and panels at the IWC, I have turned down speaker invitations at local meetings. Recently, I was invited to speak at a Women’s Step Study meeting this coming Monday and after prayer and mediation, I felt called to accept. And, here I am today, anxious about what to say and how to say it, and I read your blog and WHEW, I let go into the prayer–I am here only to be truly helpful…… So, I thank you, thank you, thank you for being the conduit through which the Holy Spirit speaks to me today. I love you. Namaste
karencasey
sandybI just reread this comment from you and feel so very blessed that we travel the same path. Together we can do what no one of us can do alone.
Love,
Karen
Lynn Schelp
good Morning. I have followed your writing . Each Day A New Beginning was my go to book in my beginning recovery. I have read most of the additional meditations in morning readings. I have returned to Each Day this Jan. I find it a welcome meditation. FyI You may find a You Tube series by Jon Munday on The Course In Miracles Called Jon Munday ACIM Lecture series. He assisted the Authors (scribers) as they created the Course
Thoughtfully,Lynn
karencasey
Lynn SchelpThanks for writing, Lynn. I am delighted my work has brought meaning to your life. Jon Mundy is one of my favorite people. Thanks for mentioning this opportunity to see him. we have been speakers at common workshops in the past. May 2015 bless you in many unexpected ways.
Karen