the chore of "doing" good

while I have enjoyed a new view of faith - one that might really be about doing good, and not just talking about someone who did good once - my ole pal H.D.T. (thoreau) fittingly chimes in to offer his prophetic perspective:

"What a foul subject this is, of doing good, instead of minding one's life, which should be his business - doing good as a dead carcass, which is only fit for manure, instead of as a living man, - instead of taking care to flourish & smell & taste sweet and refresh all mankind to the extent of our capacity & quality. If I ever did a man any good, in their sense, of course it was something exceptional, and insignificant compared with the good or evil which I am constantly doing by being what I am."

here, here HDT. I know, in my haste, I could easily have tracked into seeking out ways to be doing some good deeds here and there. hasty, indeed. we must BE good, live it. doing good seems like an unwanted task. being good resonates with the desire of my soul. doing good is a chore; being good is a song. and, though I think some chores are absolutely neccesary, shouldn't we sing while doing them?

"whistle while you work"

-s.o