Could you endure a one percent loss? Most people would be able to absorb that even if they would not welcome it, but I told a story of a shepherd who had 100 sheep, one of whom was lost. He left the 99 and searched for the lost sheep until he found it, apparently no matter how long it took. Did this make sense in practical and economic terms? Most people would commit to search for a while but be prepared to call it off if it took too long. A shepherd thinking of his own interests would have to be practical, but a shepherd who loves his sheep would not quit.

You are familiar with my commandment to honor your father and mother. Do you do this? It does not say that you need to pay them back for the sacrifices they made to raise you. That would be a much greater burden than just to honor them. Yet if you are aware that much was invested in getting you to adulthood you can still do something about it. You can pay it forward in the raising of your own children. But this does not apply to all.

What is the source of authority? Politicians claim a mandate from winning an election. Lesser office holders are appointed by them, and the military has a well-defined hierarchy of rank. There is a similar structure in the world of commerce, and academic credentials for those in academia. Churches also have a structure of authority, often with many levels. Can anyone from outside the system exercise authority? Some people seem to carry it within themselves, or have had extreme experiences that confer it.

Are you a hero? Would you like to be one? Do you assume that heroes are larger than life figures with super powers and courage who prevail in impossible tasks? Would that make it impossible for you to be one? This club is not that exclusive. The door is open to anyone, with any abilities, at any time. All you have to do is commit yourself to a cause greater than yourself. Isn’t this the common theme of all heroic stories?