Imagine torrential rains and a child is drowning in rushing flood waters. Should you jump in to try to save the child? There are three outcomes if you do: You emerge with the child; you emerge without the child; you drown in the attempt. Regardless, would you be heroic for trying to save the child? No. Even with a positive outcome you were being foolish and irresponsible.

The thought of saving the child is noble. But unless you are very good at swimming in rushing water, and few of us are, you put yourself in imminent danger. Do good for others, but think twice if your choice is a reckless one.

So if you have been in a situation where you could have done a good deed, but you didn’t because it put you at serious risk, don’t think you were bad for not trying. Be a hero when you can, but don’t be an irresponsible fool.

If it wasn’t for Mom and Dad, you wouldn’t be reading this now. Every day you wake up is a gift from them. This is why it is incumbent upon you to never forget the debt you owe to each of them.

And for those of you who are parents, don’t keep telling your kids that.

Angels are real, and they can be anywhere.
Whether you sense it or not, one is around you right now.

There will be a positive outcome to all the difficult and hard times you are going through.

Just as a woman about to give birth goes through labor pains before the coming of a new life, so are all your troubles very painful for you; they are in anticipation of the redemption to come.

That is the way of childbirth, and that is the way of life. Your mother suffered before she gave birth to you, and after those pains you came into the world. The anguish you are enduring has its purpose, as it will bring new life to your world – or the world to come.

Deep down we admire honesty. Yet we all can succumb to dishonesty, especially under enormous pressure. So if someone owns up to being deceitful, forgive them if they are truly contrite.

Though difficult, it is essential to your well being not to be taken in by the delusions of others. Even more so not to be taken in by your own. That’s when your soul is most pure.

We can all perform acts of kindness, but embodying kindness and empathy with all your heart and soul will bring you to a higher spiritual plane. When someone is hurting and their spirit is down, a good friend will be there physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When someone has a happy occasion, a true friend will exude their joy. Such people give their attention to others with as much love as they give themselves, and we feel their positive energy.

People with little capability to be kind and to love selflessly are spiritually limited, as their capacity to love is meager and is mostly given to themselves.

Acts of loving kindness make us embody and become that holy energy. Perform actions feeling like this and the All Powerful will deal with you in the same way.

It also holds true for those who engage in malevolent or cruel actions. They will be dealt with in the same manner, even though they believe their reasons seem legitimate or justified.

If you pray, there should be a Yin and a Yang (the concept of dualism in Chinese philosophy) to your prayers. This will balance your soul.

Most prayers are Yin, asking for help: Get me through this financial fix; guide my friend during this difficult time; relieve my pain; et al. But don’t forget the Yang prayers of thanks: How good to have a job these days; I’m so fortunate for loving family and friends; I love my home; etc.

Prayers are not just for supplication, they are also for appreciation. We all like to receive praise or warm feedback now and then. So it is with the One you pray to.

The pure and unqualified love of a young child or a pet is such a joy and blessing. There are no conditions attached to their love; it is innate. I imagine that’s how it is in Heaven, Nirvana, Paradise, or wherever your idyllic world may be.

How wonderful if everyone always felt like that! What a shame that angelic essence leaves as we age. The love we feel today has added dimensions, and comes with responsibility. Yet the reward for that responsibility is joy. . .  and that is our greatest reward.

Saying “I have no choice!” is counter productive and usually pathetic.There is always an option if you will just break through the emotional barriers which hinder your creative thought.

Even if the choice you decide on seems dreadful, the outcome might be different from what you envision. A power far greater than you is overseeing the world, and that is the ultimate determinant of your destiny.

A good idea is comparable to a nice fire. Both are best when their light and warmth are shared. An idea can unite intellectually; a fire can unite physically; both can unite spiritually. What a wondrous way to connect with someone!

Share a good idea. . . before nothing but ashes remain.