is it the thought that counts?
I think it was last week.
Or maybe it was two weeks ago.
But when is not the point.
We were hanging out in our kitchen, some friends and I.
And I admitted to not following through on some act of kindness I had meant to do.
Ryan consoled me with the cliche, “It’s the thought that counts though – right?”
And we both sort of laughed.
But then our conversation shifted into a more serious gear.
And we realized,
you know,
it’s not the thought that counts.
In fact, the thought doesn’t count at all, actually, if that’s all you ever do.
Who cares what you think?
What does it matter what jolly good idea you have inside your mind if that idea lives and dies in your brain?
I don’t think anyone has ever benefited from a kindness that took place entirely in your head.
Thoughts need action.
Or they’re just pretty useless.
A good deed isn’t a good deed if it’s never a good done.
I think it’s probably just another example of how easy we like to be on ourselves.
Of how we love to forgive ourselves and make excuses for our laziness or our plain old selfish living.
We love to say, “Oh, yeah. I meant to do that.”
(And by “we” I mean “me”.)
I think of sending out weekly care packages to the many college students our family loves.
I think of baking muffins and sharing them with our neighbors and friends.
I think of calling my brother just to check in and to see how he and his family are doing.
I think of writing a letter to a friend to brighten her day.
I think, think, think.
But who will ever eat a blueberry muffin or receive an unexpected package in the mail if I never do, do, do?
Yeah, it really isn’t the thought that counts, is it?
8 Comments
Terry
I am often short on hours to do all the things I intend too. But love is an action. It's what you do and don't do. Reasonably, we can't do everything we'd like for everyone we care about. And trying just leads to stress. You have to pick which thoughts are the priorities and translate them into actions that are recognizable as love by the recipients. And everyone appreciates a card if you don't have time for a care package. 😉
Cindy
2×4 between the eyes…..
LaceyKeigley
Yes. To me too. That's the bad part of writing this stuff down in public!
Marion
Darn! I really could've used that letter to brighten my day.
Jesse Wickstrum
I'm glad someone else has the same logic as I do. Actions speak louder than words. However, inaction does not mean lack of thought either.
LaceyKeigley
Yeah – I agree. I don't think inaction necessarily implies lack of thought, it's just that it is thought that maybe matters less.
Sherry
Im thinking Id like to get a letter from you …….lol
LaceyKeigley
I know.
I'm thinking the same thing about you.
Plus – Thanksgiving. Let's talk.