A Good Mother

We say, "A good father is not a good father."  

Do you understand?  

One who thinks he is a good father is not a good father; 

one who thinks he is not a good husband is not a good husband.  

One who thinks he is one of the worst husbands 

may be a good husband with a single-hearted effort.

Suzuki Roshi, Zen Mind, Beginner Mind

I remember the first time I read these words.  I immediately got defensive.  A hundred different defensive replies came to mind.  

Reasons.  

Excuses.  

Thoughts.

So many thoughts.

After I was done justifying myself, after every ounce of excuse ran out, I stopped, and smiled.

I understood.