Sri Harold Klemp, the Spiritual Leader of Eckankar, wrote in his book, The Loving Heart, “Fill yourself with Love. Then you will learn everything you need to know about God and life”.

As a student of Eckankar, I have come to see the truth in this statement. The moment I came into full acceptance of this, the conscious adventure home to God began.  On this journey, I have learned that all significant and meaningful lessons in our lives can only be taught by love .

It’s interesting to observe that God’s love is never at odds or in conflict with anyone or anything. I’m mindful of this as I this look out into the world to see and hear all of the suffering that exist. A suffering that we inflict upon ourselves.

 Perhaps one of the greatest of any messages that we can remind ourselves and others of is “we exist because of God’s love for us”. Once we make the decision to develop a deep personal relationship with God and approach life with an open heart, it’s interesting how our lives naturally become filled with joy, purpose and our vision begins to embrace an inner freedom we have previously had not imagined. The spiritual rewards of making this commitment is difficult to explain. They can be only be experienced.

What does this all mean in practical terms? Simply, if we want to receive more love, we have to give more love. It’s the easiest and yet the most challenging spiritual practice. In order to have it as an active part of your daily life, you must be open to giving it away. That is the secret. In other words, we must be willing to let it flow through us in an unrestricted manner for its own greater purpose. We become its instrument. In other words, “Thy will be done”. Or, perhaps, “If not this, then something greater”.

Here are some ideas that I have learned from studying the teachings of Eckankar that helped begin this journey into the mysteries of Love.

First, give your love to someone or something. Consciously practice putting this love into motion.  If we were to put aside the discussion of love for a moment because its difficult to relate too, perhaps we might ask yourselves; "What am I drawn too? What really interests me? What am I passionate about?"

 Regardless of what we are guided to know, whether it is to acquire a talent, grow a garden, develop an existing skill, help others in need or move towards a deeper inner life whose center is divine love, the only thing that matters is that we start working with it. As you know there is never a better time than the present moment.

Many of us may not know this, but it is love that is always calling to you.  It has always called to us. It is that quiet voice within. Let love shine through you in your everyday efforts. May you become a beacon of light unto the world. 

It’s a simple choice and only we can make it of ourselves. Will it be the following of the road-maps of our minds or the compass of our hearts? We need only trust in the ways of love.