"A teachable moment"

I love the saying, "What you do stands above you and shouts so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying" (Emerson). To me, this epitomizes the way I want to live my life. I suppose that might seem a little odd coming from a writer, but Emerson said it, so why can't I? I believe a person should show their values and morals through their actions, not their words.

What good does it do to tell me how much you support me when, in the 11th hour, I am dangling over a precipice, hanging on with the tips of my fingers and you are nowhere to be found?

Why speak of morals and values when you apply a double standard with your own family?

How can you support someone with your words and NOT your actions?

I sincerely believe this is a problem with our society. When you say, "We should get together some time," do you mean it? "I'll call you." Do you call? We're all guilty of these little sins. I used to teach ESL, and I would make off-handed comments like "We should get together and make sushi!" What I didn't realize was that people didn't suggest such get togethers in other countries unless they meant it. So my students were waiting for their invitation. I had suggested we get together--why didn't I call to set a time? It was a humbling--if teachable--moment, and not something I am particularly proud of... "Oh, let me explain American culture to you...we say things we don't really mean."

Sure, those are little sins. But what about the bigger ones? How many things have you said that you didn't mean, or that you didn't follow up with actions? It's sobering and sad, but possibly a teachable moment for us all.