Lawelawe

He leo aloha kēia iā 'oukou e nā hoa makamaka! Greetings of love to you, Morning Mana'o listeners! Today's Hawaiian word to ponder and apply is lawelawe. Literally it translates as to serve, work for, administer to, tend to. In traditional times the lawelawe were the servants of the ali'i. They tended to their every need. How can we apply this mana'o to our lives today? Yesterday I watched my sons go across the street and mow the neighbor's lawn. I was really touched to see them doing an act of service. But later when I went over and visited with my neighbor I realized something even greater. Service can be rendered in so many different ways. Yes, the boys mowed the lawn and that was great, but what she needed even more was company. Someone to talk to, someone to listen, someone to laugh with. She needed to know that she wasn't forgotten and that she was loved and cared about. It was simple. A small act of service and a little conversation brought so much joy to her and her family, but even greater joy to me and my family. A little act of service can go a long way. So, my Morning Mana'o friends, let's take the challenge to be a lawelawe to someone. Put a little love in your heart and find ways this Christmas Season to share some of our time, give a little service and brighten someone's day. The world can be a better place one act of service at a time! Ke aloha nō, a hui hou!