The Rev. Joseph O. Gouin

American Martyrs Catholic Church

Kingsford

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:12 that our actions should guided by the simple directive: “Do unto others whatever you would have them do unto you.” This seems simple enough, but it doesn’t always work.

The other day I read about a couple living a very traditional marriage for 32 years. Each morning, for example, she always made his breakfast. Unfortunately, the wife fell and broke her hip¸ so the husband, among other things, made her breakfast for several mornings. One morning, she was very upset and asked him, “Why do you keep serving me this dry, burnt toast when all these years I have made you toast that was perfectly golden brown!”

The husband sheepishly responded, “Because that’s how I really like it best, and I thought you would, too.”

In this oversimplified scenario, both the husband and wife were doing exactly what Jesus put forth as a guide to helping others. Yet their well-intended actions went completely unappreciated by the other.

Considering the above, it might be wise to realize that others do mean well and have the best of intentions, when their actions displease us, even when they serve us burnt toast.

God Bless.