WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR March 20, 2023
(From the archives of 2018)
” Accidental Heroism”
Do you remember as a kid when you had thoughts or dreams of being a policeman, or a fireman, a nurse or teacher, someone who did great things, maybe even heroic things? In my earliest years, I wanted to be a teacher—I loved anything to do with paper and pencils and chalk. Later, during the early part of WWII, I saw a newsreel demonstrating the then new fighter plane, the P-38. Can you see me being a heroic test pilot? Then, even later I dreamed of being a star on Broadway. Oh, such dreams of desire, excitement. I think notable praise had more to do with it than being a hero.
The other day I read quotes of heroism one by Umberto Eco, in Travels in Hyperactivity. He wrote, “The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else.”
And some of you may remember John F. Kennedy when questioned about how he had become a hero, he replied, “It was involuntary; they sank my boat.”
Adults don’t often think about being a hero or performing heroic deeds. Such dreams fade when we “grow up”, start thinking about what we might do in the real world. Childhood dreams fade away or rather the focus changes. We may still choose the fireman, nurse, or teacher’s job but now we make the choice out of a sense of wanting to serve, to be of help to others. Elbert Hubbard wrote, “Down in their hearts, wise people know this truth: the only way to help yourself is to help others.”
A funny thing happens when we find ourselves in a position of really caring to listen to someone without judgment as they share their plight, even rescuing an abused pet, or providing food to a homeless shelter. The thought of being a hero doesn’t enter the picture. Yet when sleep comes that night, it’s met with a feeling of gratitude and a sense of peace. That’s the time we truly appreciate the words of the late, great Louise Hay, “I give thanks for this perfect day. Thank you, Life!”
In Joy,
Rev. Pat
WEEKLY AFFIRMATION
As I willingly help others, I am rewarded by Love in multiple loving ways.
UPCOMING EVENTS
All events are held at this Center unless the location is mentioned in the description of the event.
If you are in need of treatment, please call the Center (530-589-9719) to set up an appointment with one of our practitioners.
Office hours are Monday thru Wednesday from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
BOOK STUDY: The Book Study group is still accepting members. The book is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, meetings are Wednesday, from 10 am to 12 pm and cost $10.00 per session.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY TO MAKE THE Oroville Center THE PLACE YOU WANT IT TO BE?
Oroville Center for Spiritual Living
3135 Oro Dam Blvd East, Oroville, CA 95966
(530)589-9719
e-mail: spiritoforo@gmail.com
website: orovillecenterforspiritualliving.org