The Path of Right

The best things in life are nearest:  Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.  Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.

~ Robert Louis Stevenson,

as seen on my thoughtful blogging friend Polly's blog

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.  This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

~ Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

The first time I read this quote, I loved it...but I didn't notice the phrase that is particularly jumping out at me tonight:  "the path of right just before you."  Recently I've noticed how each day is made up of countless moments of deciding whether or not to do what is right.  I want to be quick to follow "the path of right."

Chains, on Independence Day

Today's manna is here.

The Ramban's Letter, Part Four

In all your actions, words, and thoughts, always regard yourself as standing before Hashem, with His Shechinah above you, for His glory fills the whole world. Speak with fear and awe, as a slave standing before his master. Act with restraint in front of everyone. When someone calls you, don't answer loudly, but gently and softly, as one who stands before his master.

~ from The Ramban's Letter to His Son

Do not be quick with your mouth,

do not be hasty in your heart

to utter anything before God.

God is in heaven

and you are on earth,

so let your words be few.

~ Ecclesiastes 5:2