Of courseonlyGod judges the
statesofHis servants, but I seeGreg
asonewhopraysand strives for the
honourofbeingamoth-like lover
in the serviceofHis servantsandat
HisblessedThreshold.
I think of Greg as someone intoxicated with
thewineof such loveandasonewhobecomes
consumed in thefireof that loveuntil it takes
the reinsofhisbodyand spirit.
His oozes energy and fervid desire to give
and to develop his talents through service
to humanity. His gifts in music have been
primarily channeled for the worship of God
andHis attributes; whether assisting children
memorise prayers and learn through song the
Teachings of theFaith, or theproclamationof
the Cause through musical firesides, hosted
not only for a few, but for the masses. His
greatproductionsandhumblepoemsareall in
honourof theperfectionandbeautyofGod.
Service is not just a grandproduction, it’s also
reflected inhis friendships.He is encouraging
of everyone, sees that theyhavemuch tooffer
and helps them to see their worth or serve
however they can. Hemakes time to keep in
touch whether he’s known someone a long
time or has just met them, sends a prayer or
word of support when he thinks of someone,
goes so far as to visitwhen they livehundreds
of kms away when he himself is sick, doesn’t
dependon receiving that love inkind inorder
to show it, basicallyhe is a generous andkind
friendwho longs to see others prosper andbe
happy. He mourns and grievs with us when
difficulties surround us and tries to uplift our
spirits. These are very practical steps on the
pathof service that radiate fromhis lifeand to
othersaswell.
Particularmemories and traits come tomind
when I thinkofhim:
Alwaysgoing to “thewell” toreplenish therain
water in the filter. Singing around the house
songs like, “perhaps, perhaps, perhaps”, “if
I were a richman”, and “war, what is it good
for?!” StoppingTV showswe arewatching on
DVDateveryopportunity toexplainsome fact
or back-story. Being an honest and stalwart
provider for his family, even to the point of
getting really into his Telstra retail job. Going
to the shops topickupessentials andbringing
back the
real
essentials likechocolate
Being a social butterfly, and not letting a silly
thing likecancer stophim fromhaving friends
and loved ones over for a cup of tea, a prayer,
and a solid heart-to-heart. Making his tea his
special way, which could be scary for others
who offer tomake him one. His beard.Wajas
(hoddilittleboddawajalittlehodgingwodge).
The Fast. His unceasing encouragement and
love towards thoseheholdsdear.
When I think of youGreg, this prayer comes
tomind:
O holy Lord! O Lord of loving-kindness! We
stray about Thy dwelling, longing to beholdThy
beauty, and loving all Thyways.We are hapless,
lowly, and of small account. We are paupers:
show us mercy, give us bounty; look not upon
our failings, hideThouour endless sins.Whatever
we are, still are we Thine, and what we speak
and hear is praise of Thee, and it is Thy face we
seek, Thy path we follow. Thou art the Lord of
loving-kindness, we are sinners and astray and
far from home. Wherefore, O Cloud of Mercy,
grant us some drops of rain. O Flowering Bed of
grace, send forth a fragrant breeze. O Sea of all
bestowals, roll towards us agreatwave.OSunof
Bounty, senddowna shaft of light.Grant us pity,
grant us grace. By Thy beauty, we come with no
provision but our sins, withno good deeds to tell
of, onlyhopes. -‘Abdu’l-Bahá
With love from
Helma
