| According to Aristotle, "virtue is excellence at being human, a skill which helps a person survive, thrive, form meaningful relationships and find happiness. Learning virtue is usually difficult at first, but becomes easier with practice over time until it becomes a habit. One of the properties of virtues is that they consist in the golden mean, that is to say, in what lies between excess and deficit.
A few examples:
A man dedicated to his work can be very virtuous.....but if he goes to the extreme and forgets about his responsibilities to his children and wife, one might like to take a second look before commending such dedication;
A woman who is dedicated to her children can be very virtuous....but if she neglects her home and forgets to be a lover to her husband, one might like to take a second look before commending such dedication;
If a student is diligent and studies and produces A's, but never talks to those he lives with or sees wrongdoing and is so caught up with himself that he just walks on by, one might like to take a second look before commending such dedication.
Usually we have a good natural sense of knowing the balances in life, where virtue lies. Sometimes we just need to pay more attention to that sense. Reflection and prayer are the best means I know...they help me to take that important "Second Look".
On Sunday night I will introduce another human virtue that makes life oh so sweet for those around us. It is called, kindness.
Until then, O Happy VIRTUE!
Sharon
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