Affection Quote by Nancy Mairs
“The charity that begins at home cannot rest there but draws one inexorably over the threshold and off the porch and down the street and so out and out and out and out into the world which becomes the home wherein charity begins until it becomes possible, in theory at least, to love the whole of creation with the same patience, affection, and amusement one first practiced, in between the pouts and tantrums, with parents, siblings, spouse, and children.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Gift of Being” by Nancy Mairs, 1995
Charity begins at home and expands outward, eventually encompassing all creation with patience and humor.
In simple terms: Start caring at home, then extend outward.
Cultivate compassion gradually.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- neighborhood projects
- global outreach
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How to maintain balance while expanding care?
- What practices sustain long‑term generosity?
Charity can become overwhelming.