Reflections on my 9-Day Service Project

Day 8

I am tired today. I have been quite busy for the past seven days, doing a variety of tasks and activities. My body needs more periods of rest throughout the day.

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá traveled to various countries in Europe, the USA, and parts of Canada, His schedule was indescribable. And He spent months in each continent: five months in Europe, eight months in North America, and another six months in Europe. Months, not days! I will make it ten days before taking a much-needed break. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went ~575 days. (One could argue that He did take a rest in Egypt before His North America trip, but that would not make any difference since His rest periods were filled with activities.)

I cannot do 575 days but I can do ten! Kam kam, ruz beh ruz (little by little, day by day).

The first task of the day was the Ruhi study session. I think both my Ruhi partner and I are losing a bit of steam with our study session. We were able to complete only a few sections today. The material world was crowding in for both of us. The main point to remember and focus on: we completed a few sections today. Kam kam, ruz beh ruz.

The individual I was to meet with today woke up feeling unwell so that elevated conversation has been delayed until she is feeling better. Unfortunately, the material world is crowding in on her too. Kam kam, ruz beh ruz.

Without a lot of time spent on elevated conversations and study sessions, I was able to focus on the Ruhi inventory. I had not been able to finish it completely before my meeting with the treasurer (see my Day 2 reflections). This task is rather tedious and time consuming: counting inventory, comparing it to my spreadsheet, determining total books sold, checking my AR (accounts receivable) balance. The hardest part of the task is to stay focused and not allow myself to peruse the beautiful books I have in stock!

As with the other tedious tasks that I have completed during my 9-Day Service Project, I approached the inventory task with joy. I always enjoy handling books so being joyful while counting inventory is easy to do.

During my resting periods, I listened to a presentation on The Life and Legacy of Bahíyyih Khánum, given by Dr. Janet Khan. Bahíyyih Khánum is also known as The Greatest Holy Leaf, and she was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sister. She assumed headship of the Faith during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels and again when Shoghi Effendi (the Guardian of the Faith) left the Holy Land. Her accomplishments and service to the Faith are nothing short of miraculous, especially considering the time and place where she lived. Nothing was too difficult or mundane for her to take on with complete tranquility, serenity, and tenderness.

I have many steps to follow in my path of service. And I will continue to focus on the spiritual qualities of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, along with His sister, Bahíyyih Khánum. Kam kam, ruz beh ruz.