thought for today

The excellent and always thoughtful Shi Wuling has a great post. I hear so often that the needs of the world are so great and our individual efforts are so small the concern of it is worth it. I certainly believe it is!

It's Too Small to Matter

from Journal by Shi Wuling

As Buddhists we understand that intention is very important, as is doing what is right regardless of what others think of or say to us. Nothing is too small to matter.

It's all important. We cannot fall into the habit of thinking that a small action doesn't count. That we can do what we please and only try to do the right thing when it's something major. That our small action won't really change anything so there's no point in trying to do what is right. That we're too tired or there's not enough time or it's too difficult or people will think we're a goody-goody or make fun of us.

If we're really honest with ourselves, we'll see these are just excuses.

And it's easier to give ourselves excuses than it is to make an effort when the immediate return seems so small.

So it's back to remembering that nothing is too small to matter. Even if our actions result in such a small goodness that it is unperceivable, it’s still worth doing.

Because it’s the right thing to do.