wisdom in the air

To spend a certain amount of time working with people at a job that benefits others, in which our personal pleasure andprofit are not at all involved, nourishes both us and thepeople we help. It helps them directly, but it helps usindirectly, by enabling us to realize that we are a part oflife and have a contribution to make.

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Loving someone does not mean automatically acquiescing to their every whim. Sometimes love shows itself in saying noto an attitude or desire that is harmful. But your opposing must be done tenderly, without anger or condescension.

This is a difficult art. Go slowly. Remember that it is better not to react in theheat of the moment. Whenever time allows, don't respond immediately. Speak and act when you can do so with patience and kindness. Remember, too, that the very best way to change someone is to embody that change with your own example.

E.E.