For my own tastes, it is the person who continuously makes the small caring gesture in the course of daily affairs who is the most worthy footsoldier in the army of the spirit. Such people are doing simple good for the world, and shaping their spirits by outward action. – from Kent Nerburn’s Aug. 13 blog.
Alas, I’m not this kind of person. Once in a while, maybe, but not continuously. At times I think I should work harder to be more caring, and at other times I just figure, what the hell, I’m not like that, so quit trying. Currently, I’m in the middle, trying to be a little more regularly thoughtful and going out of my way but nothing drastic. One example: I’ve been house-tending for my friend Bruce while he and his wife are on vacation. They live a few miles out of town on a hobby farm and have two dogs, two horses and a swimming pool. My daughter and I go out there twice a day to do the chores. I’m kind of enjoying it, even though I’m busy. But the main thing is that I’m going out of my way for a friend, something I don’t usually do. Good boy.