The Modest Miracle

How far would you go to help someone in need? To the end of the street? To the end of the world? How far should you go? As frustration drips from your fingers or your brows furrow as your arms grow weak.   The best you give is only the best you can. Step toward them with your heart wide open and keys jangling in the ignition.   Now or never.   You or no one.   Let's ride. More critical than the NBA title, but less publicized than the new McDonald's grill buzzer. A crystallized droplet of life hangs suspended before you.   Long time, no see. You brush against it with a thumb as you pass, a subtle salutation. But your destination lies beyond it, far beyond the edge where harsh reality tumbles down into the waters below, crashing against rocks.   There is no sun or rain or anger or dingy therapists' offices.   There is only an outstretched hand. It's all you can offer. Yet you stand firmly.   Your shoulders are square as

Yes, you should settle for less than perfection.   In fact, the farther from it, the better. Did that get a rise out of you?   Or at least catch your attention long enough to give the rest of this post a shot?   Don't worry, I didn't mean that in a moral sense.   Complete honesty and integrity are always the best policy.   But there are other ways we seek perfection, ways that can be a real pain. Have you ever been annoyed that you had to stand in line? Upset that things took longer than they should? Riled up by another's comment that wasn't phrased sensitively? Distressed by procedures that increase hassle and minimize effectiveness? Disappointed that you had to give more than your share? If so, you're probably relatively normal.   You're also probably a bit of a perfectionist, in a completely different way than how people normally use the term.   Rather than imposing perfect standards on yourself, you try to do it to t