29 June 2010

Love in a Life of Service

How good it is if the friends be as close as sheaves of light, if they stand together side by side in a firm unbroken line. For now have the rays of reality from the Sun of the world of existence, united in adoration all the worshippers of this light; and these rays have, through infinite grace, gathered all peoples together within this wide-spreading shelter; therefore must all souls become as one soul, and all hearts as one heart.
'Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, 36.3 p.76
A united effort of service and collaboration requires qualities such as teamwork, devotion, sacrifice, sincerity, and taking joy in the well-being and progress of others. Furthermore, these qualities are also requirements of a good marriage. Little wonder then, that it's easy to be confused about our feelings toward the people we serve alongside, and to mistake simple feelings of love for being in love.

3 comments:

  1. Life is messy, I think it is okay to make those mistakes and let the chips fall where they may.

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  2. I don't think of such things as mistakes. If one is in love with Baha'u'llah, then one will fall in love with anyone who mirrors forth His Beauty. Sustaining friendships, relationships and marriages formed in times of service may require great effort, especially if one or both people don't end up spending the rest of their lives in service.

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  3. So the suggestion to serve alongside a potential partner is not only a way to test their character, but may be a romantic replacement for the indulgent "getaways" that pass for dates these days... :)

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