On Kindness

I just finished reading a book called Mastering Successful Work, written by a buddhist. What I found most interesting was the lesson of working with kindness and consideration for your co-workers. It certainly makes life easier when you are kind to your husband, and the other people you interact with on a daily basis. It truly is the little acts of kindness which makes life more enjoyable, for we often get so caught up in our own lives that we forget that our actions may have consequences on other people.

When you resist the work that must be done, such as I am resisting the act of moving and many other hobbies that I generally enjoy, you begin to suffer internally. The act of suffering, even though it may seem an insignificant thing that can be put up with for a time, is what Buddha is trying to teach us to avoid.

For example, at this moment, I am quite cold and do not have to be so because Gwen is afraid that we will use up all her wood and burn down her house. As the temperatures reach freezing this week, we shall actually physically suffer because of her wish, which we shall respect, but it does make me wonder about her. However, I shall not press it on her because it will upset her, and she is quite prone to anger. It makes me sad for I do like her a great deal, but the little things that I have noticed over the years of being her friend make me realize that she can on occasion be quite inconsiderate to the people around her.

As for my husband, I greatly enjoy his company, and if I do not get into Jet with him, I do not wish to part with him, but whatever happens must happen. There is little that I can do now but wait and be patient. I shall not worry about the interview, because I have absolutely no control over their decision, and by the grace of God I will continue to wait. Perhaps this coming week I will get my confirmation, and get to go with him to be interviewed.

If this year and a half of waiting has taught me anything, it is that I can endure a lot more than I think I can, as long as I get plenty of rest and breathe calmly. I feel no fear about the future, which is strange, for even if I have no home, I shall be among friends and family. Even if the world provides me with a tent, I shall be happy in that tent, and sing to the birds in the trees.

I mostly wanted to go to church today to hear people singing. I miss that a little bit! I miss my mother's singing. I can't wait to sing with her when I come back to Montana this spring, but I shall have to wait just a little bit!