"Open, O people, the city of the human heart with the key of your utterance. " ~Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 303
I have been reflecting on the reasons we choose the work we do, a professional career or where we choose to volunteer. What motivates us to make the choices we make? I know that economics plays a key role in terms of providing for one's physical needs and those of our family but what of the desire to do a particular type of work because it fills a need in our souls? This past year because the pandemic prevented me from working, I found myself in a position to look around for alternative work. Although our finances were extremely stretched I could not bring myself to find work for the sake of only an income. I went in search of something meaningful. I sought out volunteer posts to connect with my community. The work I had been doing left me little time to really connect with people around me. I was part of a community but did not really "know" anyone. I had time on my hands to create a space to open my heart to others and care for their needs. I made some delicious connections which I continue to treasure and nurture. Today I will interview for another volunteer position. This virtue made me pause and think about what is motivating me to persevere with this selection process. The team being constructed will be taking on work that has not been previously explored in my locality. It has taken on the task of investigating social change and how it may be brought about in a manner that is long lasting. It seeks to bridge a gap and humanize an institution known for domination, control and force in the pursuit of justice. Historically, there has been a great deal of suffering, all around. From what I have read and seen, evokes in my heart a flood of compassion for all those involved. It must change, we cannot continue to live in this way blowing our pain into the future as we will ultimately destroy ourselves. I do not know what the answer is but I have ideas, thoughts and suggestions that I would like to join with the ideas, thoughts and suggestions of others who are similarly passionate about bringing about change, to re-imagine a way forward for posterity. Charity nudges me to share these thoughts openly in my interview today.
Wishing you hood luck with this process. Hugs.