“Consideration of the other – their needs, feelings, and struggles – shapes our decisions, and we often find it to be mutually beneficial. That’s how communities operate in a healthy way. It really is a beautiful thing when it happens. Where arrogance and self-centeredness destroy community, humble thoughtfulness toward others builds it.” –Paul Almquist, Fruit of the Vine

Query: Are you careful to avoid practicing false humility?

The Beatitudes

That map of happiness you gave me

is the wedding bouquet I tossed a bit carelessly

the day after the nuptials.

I take it now,

all eight blossoms.

They’re blossoming in my heart:

the meek, the merciful,

the hungry, the mourners,

the peaceful, the pure,

the persecuted

after 50 years,

I am the happy, blessed one.

–Carol Bialock, Coral Castles