Monday, May 31, 2010

Daily Reminder, # 4




You are an earthly angel, just as you are, no training required, just kindness. It doesn't require grand deeds or great cathedrals to change the world. A compassionate gesture from a fellow human conveys more of any spiritual teachings than the lofty words of a dozen preachers. "Even as you have done it unto the least of these..." is not just pretty words; it is Capital "t" Truth. A dozen quiet, even unrecognized small deeds may have more impact on the world than a truckload of formalized "goodness." Sometimes we are so busy trying to become something, that we don't realize we are already there.


Years ago I read a book called HUMAN OPTIONS by a wonderful teacher and philosopher named Norman Cousins. The book is a collection of his own thoughts and quotes of great thinkers and doers of history. One of my favorites is this one of his own:

Compassion is not quantitative. Certainly it is true that behind every human being who cries out for help there may be a million or more equally entitled to attention. But this is the poorest of all reasons for not helping the person whose cries you hear. Where, then, does one begin or stop? How to choose? How to determine which one of a million sounds surrounding you is more deserving than the rest? Do not concern yourself in such speculations. You will never know; you will never need to know. Reach out and take hold of the one who happens to be nearest. If you are never able to help or save another, at least you will have saved one. To help put meaning into a single life may not produce universal regeneration, but it happens to represent the basic form of energy in a society. It also is the test of individual responsibility.


A few things I'm grateful for today:
  • Norman Cousins
  • sunshine and cool breezes
  • the ability to walk even though I wobble. (Raven wobbles but she doesn't fall down)


    Have a Great Day.....
    And feel your wings... they are real!

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