“Making the world a better place can’t depend upon applause.” Kent M. Keith, Anyway, The Paradoxical Commandments
Take a look at your life. Do the decisions you make revolve around recognition…about the applause you might get? We have seen many examples of the opposite coming out of the Boston bombing. Selfless acts of courage and compassion with absolutely no thought of who might notice. But what about decisions we make everyday? Does what we choose depend on the applause?
What about the new idea at work that was really yours…but others seem to have missed that fact, do you have to be sure that everyone knows…or is it enough to know that this idea will make the job or project so much better?
Do you demand a tax receipt for EVERY donation…or is it enough to do the good?
Can you accept your faults when they are revealed…or are you frustrated with your imperfection…always needing approval?
Is it not worth the effort if only a few people show up…or are helped…or notice?
Am I sure to let others know of my kind acts toward others…or is it enough to practice kindness?
The world needs all of the kindness, compassion and love that we can possibly give…flowing through us without expectation of reward or acknowledgement or celebration. Our wholeness should come from our own sense of what we already are…not from what others might think about us or about our actions.
Random acts of kindness are not enough…commit to making the world a better place no matter what, all the time. Feel what it feels like to be the undercurrent from which loving kindness springs forth into the world.
Peace always
Paula
One Response
Thanks for your insightful words. I appreciate you.