Upon the conduct of one

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. (Alexander the Great)

The fate of all - really? I believe this to be true, for my conduct could very well influence the conduct of another. The things I say, do, or even ignore have the potential to influence and change the course of another's life. We all have that potential - so it is pretty important that we recognize it now! Alexander also said, "Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable."

Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help. If two lie down together, they will be warm, but a person alone will not be warm. An enemy might defeat one person, but two people together can defend themselves; a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

We get more done by working together - not against each other. I have frequently spoken of the need to be a solid example to others around us. I also will remind each of us from time to time that we need one another in our lives - to keep us on the right path, be there when times get tough, and lead by example. Truly, we don't want to be alone if we are about to fall! We want someone there to help catch us before we do.

Kindness and moderation go a long way when we are working to cultivate 'solid' relationships - the type of friends that will be there when we need them most. Moderation - a word we don't hear much these days, but it is rich in meaning. Beyond the sense of 'restraint' we might operate within, there is the idea of avoiding the things that are either extreme or excessive. There are going to be times when we need one another to help us avoid those 'excesses' or 'extremes' in life.

Moderation also has a similar meaning to kindness; in that we exercise patience with each other - being calm and fair in our dealings with one another. What moderation brings to the relationship is balance. We 'balance' each other out - where you may be weak, I could be just a bit stronger, and vice-versa. Upon the conduct of one depends the fate of the other - a solemn thought, don't you agree? Just askin!