If I never spoke another harsh word, there would still be too much harshness in the world. If I never again set loose the searing sting of my tongue, there would still be too many scars in the world. If I never again bared the barbed point of my scorn, there would still be too many wounds in the world.

I cannot alone do much to lessen the pains and pangs of this life.

If I never again failed to speak with tenderness, there would still not be enough compassion in the world. If I did not let slip by a single opportunity to soothe a troubled heart with comforting kindness, there would still not be enough caring in the world. Should I, in every circumstance, speak only gentle words, there would not be enough peace in the world.

I cannot do much alone to bring greater grace and goodness to this earth.

It is true that one alone cannot do much.

But every measure taken in the way of what is right and godly both lessens the evil and increases the good. Every word and deed of righteousness increases the light that is in this world. Every decent thing done diminishes indecency and increases what is pleasant and worthy. If only one good thing were done in the world this day, then this day is not completely evil.

How much better then if you and I decide that in the smallest of actions taken today, and in the greater ones, too, we will increase the good that is done? And if we both do that, then neither of us will act alone.

 H. Arnett
2/25/04