“A [musical] note that is slightly late or early decreases the cohesiveness of the ensemble…This principle applies to our daily interactions as well. Often our statements are true, but the timing is off. Maybe we were angry when we had our say, or maybe the other person just wasn’t in a place where they could hear our (supposedly) constructive criticism. Thank God, this problem is fixable by the same means as the musical. If we humbly watch our own hearts, pay close and loving attention to the people around us, and keep our eyes on Christ, we will become local expressions of the heavenly choir that sings the eternal praises of our God.”
(Mother Melania of Holy Assumption Monastery, newsletter)