Once a man went to see a friend of his who was a professor at a great university. However, as they sat chatting in the professor’s office, they were continually interrupted by students who came knocking at the door, seeking the professor’s advice about something or other. Each time the professor rose from his chair, went to the door, and dealt with the student’s request. Eventually the visitor asked the professor, ‘how do you manage to get any work done with so many interruptions?’ ‘At first I used to resent the interruptions to my work. But one day it suddenly dawned on me that the interruptions were my work.’ The professor replied. That professor could have locked himself away and devoted his time to his own private work. In that way he would no doubt have had a quieter life. But being the generous and unselfish person that he was, he couldn’t do that. Instead he made his work consist in being available to his students. It was no surprise that he was greatly loved by the students. And it was no coincidence that he was one of the happiest and most fulfilled professors on the campus. Unselfishness is never easy. Yet at certain times it’s easier than at others. It’s easier when we are able to plan our good deeds – when the deed is of our own choosing, and we happen to be in the mood, and it causes us the minimum inconvenience and disruption. At other times unselfishness is particularly difficult; when the deed is not of our own choosing, when we don’t feel in the mood, and when it is sprung on us at an awkward moment. In such cases we have to forget ourselves, and set aside our feelings and our plans. A real sacrifice is involved. An act of kindness is judged, not so much by its importance, but by the disruption it causes in the life of the one who does it. It’s a great test of people when, at the drop of a hat, they put aside their own plans to help another person. Caring is never easy. Some people are willing to care a little, provided they are in the mood, and it’s not too inconvenient, and doesn’t upset their own plans. But to care when it does upset one’s plans- that’s the real test. Parents do it all the time. How many times they have to get out of bed at night to see to a child? All of us are capable of caring. The need for caring people is great. Neglect is widespread in our society. There are many people in our world who are like sheep without a shepherd. Those using heroin to block out their daily problems; homeless youngsters on our streets and the elderly living alone. Good can come out of interruptions. They prevent us from becoming totally preoccupied with ourselves. Selfishness is a kind of prison. Love, on the other hand, sets us free. Someone said: Accept surprises that upset your plans, shatter your dreams, give a completely different turn to your day and – who knows? - to your life.