Starting small

Spiritual reflection to start the day with Rupa Mooker, a lawyer and member of Glasgow’s Sikh community.
Script: Good Morning.
There’s a concept in the Sikh faith called Seva, which means selfless service. Doing something for others without expecting anything in return. It’s one of the principles I’ve always loved about Sikhi, because it reminds me that making a difference doesn’t have to mean doing something extraordinary.
In a gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, you will see volunteers preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning floors or serving meals to complete strangers. No job is considered beneath anyone and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from, how much money you have or what position you hold in society. Everyone has something valuable to give.
We can become so focused on getting ahead that we forget to look around us and appreciate what we already have.
Seva asks not “What can I get?” but, “What can I give?” And the answer doesn't have to be grand. It might be giving someone your time, listening without judgement, or standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly. It might even be doing something meaningful for a person who will never know it was you.
Today, I’m reminding myself that we don't need to wait until we have more time, more money, a better job, more knowledge or influence to make a difference. We can start with what we have, right where we are.
My prayer today is this:
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Waheguru, give us generous hearts, the humility to serve others, and the wisdom to recognise when someone needs a helping hand. May our actions bring a little more kindness into the world.