It is our task-our essential, central, crucial task-to transform ourselves from mere social creatures into community creatures.

Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and wisdom.

The feeling of being valuable is a cornerstone of self-discipline because when you consider yourself valuable you will take care of yourself- including things like using your time well. In this way, self-discipline is self-caring.

Teach us to number our days aright.

How strange that we should ordinarily feel compelled to hide our wounds when we are all wounded! Community requires the ability to expose our wounds and weaknesses to our fellow creatures. It also requires the ability to be affected by the wounds of others... But even more important is the love that arises among us when we share, both ways, our woundedness.

How strange that we should ordinarily feel compelled to hide our wounds when we are all wounded.

Integrity is never painless.