Lately, I’ve heard of a lot of people participating in those natural body cleanses where they drink nothing but lemon juice for a 48 hour period – or something. While this may be a healthy practice, there is another natural cleanse that I’d like to recommend to you. One that has just as many benefits and then some. I call it the natural cleanse for the soul. Oft times I think we spend so much time thinking about our physical needs that we fail to acknowledge the needs of the soul. You know, that part of us that wants to live a meaningful, more fulfilled life; that part that wishes for world peace and the end of global hunger; that part of us that hopes for something better. So, why a natural cleanse?

I think over the course of our days and weeks, we see and hear things that cause a build-up inside; a build up of fear, discouragement, cynicism, ingratitude, pride, and selfishness. Such a harmful build-up may potentially be caused by watching the news and recognizing the turmoil in the world, by being hurt by a loved one, by being cheated by a co-worker, by seeing a child suffer, by personal failure or even success. Whatever the cause, I suggest to you that there is a way to get rid of that inner waste. It’s called SERVICE to others.

There are a number of ways we can give service. It can range from something as simple as smiling at a stranger on the street, offering an encouraging word to an associate, or visiting someone who is lonely or ill. It could also entail volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, donating money or goods or simply giving a helping hand to a loved one. Whatever you choose to give, whether it be your time or resources, my promise to you is this. If you will seek out opportunities to serve daily, you will feel an inner cleansing take place each time you give of yourself. Then, where fear and discouragement once sat, a sense of hope and peace will fill their place. Certainly you will be blessing the recipient, but the greatest benefactor will be you, the giver.

If you’re tired of being weighed down by the cares of the world, be lightened by giving to others. Service does a body good.