Sacred Trust

Last night at the healing service there was a young child, maybe 2 years old, still in diapers, who came with his mom.  He is the first toddler we have had at a healing service, so I was curious as to how he would find it.  As we began the service he was interested in the sounds and instruments, and seemed happy with what was going on.  As we moved into the sound and hands on healing portion of the service, he was a tad restless, but paying close attention to all that was happening.  As I began to move around the room to offer hands on healing, I approached his mom. The boy was sitting on her lap.  I placed a hand on her and asked if I could put my hand on his heart.  He nodded.  I placed a hand there and his eyes got big and soft as he received the loving energy.  At one point I lifted my hand off his chest, but he shook his head and placed it back on his heart with his hand, his big eyes just looking up at me with openness, trust, a smile on his face. 
After a while I moved on to work on some other people, and he closed his eyes.  I thought he had maybe gone to sleep, but as I was several people away from him, I looked back over and he was watching me, a big smile on his face.  I smiled back, and we held eye contact for a while.  Often after this I caught him watching me, with a look of peace on his face!
My interactions with him made me remember what a deep honor and privilege it is to do the work I do.  The trust placed in me is a trust I value and respect…. And am often humbled by.  And it is a trust I would never violate.  It is a sacred responsibility.  Whenever I work with someone’s energy field, I am aware that it is God working through me, Divine love pouring through my hands.  It’s not mine, and it is precious and beautiful.
I think that is one reason why it has been so hard to see the reports of Jean Vanier’s abuse that have come to light.   It is said that he had a psychological hold over his victims, one where he was charged with sharing God’s love while he was “spiritually accompanying” them.  He violated their trust.  He abused them.  He took their emotional and spiritual vulnerability and openness and turned it against them in order to get pleasure for himself.  His manipulation and coercion is an abomination to all of us who work in spiritual realms, who are trusted with the courage that it takes people to be open to receive help.
And so, I think back to this young boys face.  His openness.  His trust.  His smile.  And I am reminded once more of the absolute gift it is when people open up, and resolve once more to never, never do anything to violate this.
May all spiritual workers do likewise.