The Power of Extolling Virtues

 I have a good family with good people, but sometimes we get on each others nerves. I have been feeling irritable lately, and with that comes guilt for feeling irritable. I've been pondering on a solution to bring a little sunshine and love into our home. As I was wondering what changes I could make, some thoughts occurred to me. When I focus on weaknesses, mistakes and imperfections, I am bringing to the surface qualities that are unattractive to me. When I focus on goodness, virtues, positive behaviors and attributes, I bring to the surface qualities that are attractive to me. Faults repel, Virtues attract. Since all humans have both, if I want to have stronger bonds with people, I need to describe them, to others and myself, in word and thought, in terms of their goodness- good looks, good intentions, good ideas, good choices, good works. Criticizing, fault finding, condemning are all divisive and lead to bitterness and resentment. This may be contributing to a lack of love and unity in our communities, work places and homes. I can still work to solve differences if necessary, but what if I overlooked differences and just showed gratitude for the good? Besides that, since I need lots of mercy, I best be showing lots of mercy.