"If Sun thou canst not be, then be the humble planet."
The present is a time for work. Not a single member of the Theosophical Society can afford to be idle, can lie back upon his oars and "float over the summer sea," waiting for the future to bring renewed life and energy, or to give him greater knowledge by which his labors may be more effective. There can be no "floating" with the tide; no waiting for better opportunities. Right here and now the effort is needed. Not one could be in the Society had not Karma brought him there to do a definite work in helping humanity.
It may seem sometimes as if our ability to do was so limited; our influence so small; our comprehension of infinite truth so weak, that it were idle to make the attempt to help others along a path in which our own feet are stumbling. Do you not know that no effort, however small, is ever lost out of the world of causes? The word spoken in season may be just what is needed to turn a brother's face in the right direction. The Voice of the Silence says, "Point out the 'Way' — however dimly and lost among the host — as does the evening star to those who tread their path in darkness." That is meant for you and for me, as well as for those who are far in advance of us on the way to the Divine.
This we are told to do: "Seek out him who knows still less than thou," and then if the opportunity comes, as come it will if the purpose be strong and true, speak the good word, plant the good seed and leave the rest to Karma.
There are so many ways to work — there is so much to be done — more at the present hour than ever before because the promise of results is so much greater. Yet knowing this, it is also well to remember the words of our Brother and Teacher, W. Q. Judge, concerning our efforts: "It is not that you must rush out to do, to do. Do what you find to do. Desire ardently to do it, and even when you shall not have succeeded in carrying anything out but some small duties, some words of warning, your strong desire will strike like Vulcan upon other hearts in the world, and suddenly you will find that done which you had longed to be the doer of. Then rejoice that another had been so fortunate as to make such meritorious Karma."
You see what is meant. It is the warmth of desire, the strength of purpose that counts most, so we need not despair if our power of accomplishment seems so small and worthless. It is only that we must make sure that we are doing what we can.
Last year, around the globe, went some of those in whom our trust was greatest, to bear the good tidings to other lands, to other people. Perhaps the Master's plan comprehended, besides this work, the development of the powers of those left behind. It may have been a test of our earnestness, of the strength of our endeavor to help others to see the Light which shines for all alike, and a recognition of which will be — must be — the final redemption of all life. Should our hearts ever fail us, let us remember that over each and all stands the "Warrior, eternal and sure," ready to give strength and guidance as we need and deserve.
Work and Wait. That must be our attitude, our effort. If we believe, as we do, that the Master is directing, and controlling this movement so far as the Karma of the Society will allow; if we believe that H. P. B. and W. Q. Judge are yet laboring for its success, surely we cannot hesitate in giving all of the time, money, and work that is possible to the promoting of its growth and prosperity. And let us remember that it is not the outwardly great things which we do that mean the most. It is the intensity of the motive back of each thought and deed, however trifling the latter may seem. "If Sun thou canst not be, then be the humble planet."
Work, WORK is the order of the day.