Offering and Devotion

Where is the line between offering and devotion? Does such a line exist? A true offering is an expression of devotion. So often, "offering" is spoken of as an item left at an altar. Work is spoken of as being part of a devotional practice, but not offering.

"Devotional practice"? On the surface, I understand this. But this, too, is often spoken of within limitations. Time is scheduled for these activities.

I don't want to do it that way. I don't want my devotion to be a list of chores that I have to take care of so that I'm free to go on with my life until those things have to be done again. I want to live in my devotion! My responsibilities within that "devotional practice" blend with other areas of my life. I offer my art, my music. My prayers sometimes sound more like one side of a conversation happening while sitting out on the porch, and then sometimes like chants from an obvious temple of worship. Some days, I have to remind myself that my existence is also an expression of devotion.

The new instrument will be here soon. Guide my hands, Mother. Let the strings sing as another expression of my devotion. Air and water both flow, both carry things along. Let my music flow like the water and be carried by the air. I'm nervous about this instrument. Nervous like a first date! Guide my hands. Show me how to open the gate so the music, love, devotion can flow. Let it be an offering.