Boyd K. Packer said that virtues, when exaggerated, transform themselves into vices.
So true. So true.
A couple of weeks ago when Joe and Ande were visiting, I babysat Zeph for a few hours. I put him on the cupboard in a laundry basket while I worked in the kitchen.
I didn't need four arms, an automatic swing, or a nanny, I just made-do with a towel and laundry basket. Because making-do, you see, is one of my virtues.
I had just finished priding myself on how I so often make do when I looked out the living room window.
The living room window has been cracked for almost three years . . . and that blue, penguin, duct tape has been striped across it for four months. After looking out the cracked window, I looked down at the stained carpet.
Oh gee. Suddenly making-do wasn't so virtuous any more. When making-do is exaggerated it swells into not-taking-care-of-business.
How about you? What is one of your exaggerated virtues? (Heaven knows I've got enough vices and exaggerated virtues to tend I won't be worrying about yours.)
This made me laugh pretty hard. I've never heard that quote before, but the truth of it is screaming in my ears.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, I was so busy thinking about the virtues turned vices of other people I forgot to evaluate myself... a definite vice. I have work to do!
ReplyDeleteI like to think I'm helpful and have good information to offer but really I'm an overbearing nag :/
Oh dear, I know I have many but can't bear to think about them right now...denial perhaps.
ReplyDeleteI'm efficient.
ReplyDeleteYes yes, I understand making do. My windshield (minus the penguins) looks like your window. For the last 5 years...
ReplyDelete