Blog 3926 – 08.23.2026
Good Deeds and Good Intentions
I do not believe the ole saws that no good deed are goes unpunished or that the way to hell is paved with good intentions. That the motives behind our good deeds may not always be the best or even when they are that they can yet be misinterpreted and sometimes have disastrous results is a distinct possibility. And as for the best of our intentions, like the quote about the best laid plans of mice and men, they can often go awry. For this reason when I say aloud my daily mantra in the middle I always include the caveat: “I make all of my intentions for the good of the Universe, myself, and all people everywhere. Aye-man and Yeah-women!”
I believe that even the least known of us has some influence in the great scheme of things. Though we have all of us misused that influence at one time or another to mislead others either out of ignorance, self interest or to promote someone or some cause that we found later was not worthy of our efforts, we should use our influence, such as it is, for the good of all, including ourselves, yet not exclusively for ourselves alone.
In my mind, intentions are in the same category as prayers and best wishes, all three of which only become activated by small actions, or deeds, that prove our motives to be sincere. In the book of James the purported author, the writer makes the case that faith without deeds is dead and uses the example that it does little good to say to your starving or hurting brother or sister “thoughts and prayers” unless we actually make some effort to relieve his or her burdens. Thoughts, prayers, and intentions are powerless without the baby steps in the right direction that prove our motivation and unlock our high power, our higher best self, who is the true loving and infinite source and therefore deserving of glory and praise.
We honor those who listen to their higher best angels and active their best thoughts, prayers, and intentions with acts of strength, courage, and compassion. We are disappointed when we discover that those elected to serve us are more interested in “stollen” or undeserved honor, putting their name on other people’s memorials and accomplishments.
We all have a duty to use our influence for the good of all and not just for self promotion.
Your friend and fellow traveler,
David James White
