I started watching Downton Abby. Clearly I am ten years late to that particular ball, but when it aired I still had four children at home who needed ferrying and supper. There were neither silver spoons nor carriages but still it kept me busy. 

 

Thomas is getting on my nerves. He is among the fleet of servants to lift coat sleeves for aristocrats not inclined to bend their own backs, and pour wine into crystal stemmed glasses. But unlike the rest of the staff he is bent on finding fault with everyone upstairs and down. He plants stinging doubts, and fans non events into flames. Thomas digs into people's pasts, coercing maids to share the dirty work. 

 

The music turns musty whenever he lurks behind a pillar waiting for tidbits to use against others. It becomes cloudy whether it is always to gain advantage, or simply out of habit. 

 

As it happens I have been waging my own battles with the hunt. In an effort to resist the urge to criticize, seeing this shady character has been illustrative. Is it clever to heed the oily thought that creeped into my train of thought? Or stupid?

 

By contrast, the lady's maid Anna is unfailingly kind. Her smile is quick. Her willingness to find the good in others, and overlook their failings brings me joy. I want to be like her. 

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to see such characteristics come to life. It clarifies what it means to truly serve.