a goodie from Henri JM Nouwen

Imagine yourself as deeply convinced that your kindness to your friends and your generosity to the poor are little mustard seeds that will become strong trees in which many birds will build their nests. Imagine that, in the centre of your heart, your smiles and handshakes, your embraces and your kisses are only the early signs of a worldwide community of love and peace!Imagine that your trusting that every little movement of love you make will ripple out into ever new and wider circles -- just as a little stone thrown into a small pond. Imagine, imagine! Could you ever be depressed, angry, resentful or vengeful? Could you ever destroy, hate or kill? Could you ever despair of the meaning of your short earthly existence? -- Life of the Beloved, pp. 123-4.