This is a quick share of a piece by Henri Frederic Amiel, a Swiss philosopher of the 19th century, who addressed not only practical insights but the more profound sentiments of how we view our own lives and actions.

I first encountered it many years ago at church, and it has resonated many times since. While the Episcopal Church has incorporated this exhortation into its services in various ways, often adding concluding benedictions, I think it stands on its own as an invitation to us to extend ourselves daily.

I share the translation best known to me:

Life is short and we do not have too much time
to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us;
so be swift to love, and make haste to be kind.

Go forth.