You know there are just so many things to talk about and they have probably been said many times before. But I want to talk for a little bit today about some of the ways we rely on one another for so much of our existence here on this earth. For instance none of us had anything to say about our being here in this world in the first place. Our parents made that decision for us. And we have survived to this very moment in our lives with a great deal of dependence on others, whether we like it or not.
Likewise there is hardly a moment in our lives that we do not benefit from the activities of others. I suppose I realize how dependent we are on others even more since I became partially paralyzed over seven and a half years ago and have to rely on others so much now. I can’t even dress myself. My lovely wife does that for me before I get out of bed and then undresses me after I am put back in bed at night. And I rely on her or someone else to push me wherever I want to go. And she takes care of all my other needs as well. She is the perfect example of the "Honeydo" wife.
Actually in reality there is hardly a moment in our lives when we do not benefit from the activity of others. Likewise we all need to be concerned about the wellbeing of others. In fact our greatest joy comes when we are motivated by concern for others. But there is good reason for that! Not only do our kind deeds for others bring happiness they also alleviate the sufferings we endure. I am certainly not suggesting that the person whose actions are motivated by the wish to bring happiness to others necessarily meets with less misfortune than the one who does not. Old age, sickness of one kind or another are the misfortunes that are the same for all of us. But the sufferings which undermine our inner peace such as anxiety of various sorts, these are unquestionably less. When we are concerned for others, we worry less about ourselves. Hence our own suffering is less intense.
Exactly what am I trying to say? First of all because our every action has such a wide impact on others happiness, we must be very careful about what we say and do to ensure that we do not harm others. That is the most significant thing, but the second is equally important. Genuine happiness consists in those spiritual qualities of love, joy, peace, and yes tolerance and forgiveness. I’m sure you know the list. It is in these qualities that provide for both our happiness and the happiness of others.
PS. Since Rosalie's surgery and heart attack we have had to have additional help get me dressed in the morning.
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