Why I Act The Way I Do

I ponder more on those things that change the way I act:

The love I am given and see given. The love withheld from me. The love I give. The love I withhold.

Desire. My health. What I eat and drink. The shelter I enjoy. My effort in exercise and thought.

The money I and others have. The money I and others have not. What I own.

My time with nature. My time alone. My time with another. Art, music, words. All change the way I act.

The Difference Words Make

I value life, love, and beauty. I want my life to matter, to make a positive difference. I could have spent my time making a mountain of money so that it could be used for the benefit of others, but I would have been, would be, subject to its temptations and corrosive touch.

Art provides the means to share in the importance of those things I value, however, to what extent does art matter? Has a painting, piece of music, or dance ever changed your mind or way you act? Do words?

The Need for Distance

I received a message in the early hours that my son was in the accident and emergency department of a hospital with suspected concussion. I raced the one hundred miles from my home to be with him. Over the next twenty four hours it became clear there was no lasting damage.

When I was in the dark about my son's condition I wanted to drive as quickly as possible, but I held back, just a little. The distance forced my hand. There were other sons and daughters on the road.