The thought that counts.

It's understood that when someone gives you something or offered you unconditional service, it came with a thought like "It seems she needs some lemons. I could give her my spare." or "She may need some assistance crossing the street." Before we help people we think about it first. That's the thought the saying is talking about. You'll naturally count it because you're conscience will feel it.

When I do something for someone I do not believe my intentions (thoughts) are openly expressed and or conveyed as I would hope that my doing is what matters to me. I suppose if people go around saying I did this or that, then it is not something they are truly doing out of kindness but more so for recognition. So the only times for me that It is the thought that counts is within my personal being. Because I cared enough and wanted to do something. The smiles and or appreciation is a thank you enough for me.

I don't think that's what the expression means. It refers to an act where a person does something that may not necessarily be what you want. It may not be the right thing for you, but it's the fact that the person was thinking about you that's important.

Yes, I think the reason is more important than the action itself. I judge based on motive not fully on act.

Oh yes! And though you don't see it, the thought gets expressed in actions. Like when somebody gives you a gift, whther there is an occasion or not, and even if you don't like the gift, it is the thought that that someone thought of you by giving you something that counts...not the gift. The act means, you matter. Oftentimes, deepest thoughts and feelings are difficult to express and no words can describe what you feel so you express it in so many ways...like by simply being with a friend at your friend's lows or by a simple touch that says I understand and I care...and many more. I appreciate these moments. Cheers, Lore!

Yes of course thoughts do really count. On a greeting card you can read between the lines if it was written sincerely. However, the fact that the sender has taken the pains of having it mailed in a post office already counts as sincerity. Much more if it was handwritten. In a face to face way, you can read the sincerity by his eyes and the body language that accompanies it. If while speaking he seemed to be inattentive, such as minding his cell phone, then you can more or less gauge that he lacks sincerity. Thought do really counts as long as they are good thoughts. LOL

Thoughts become ideas, ideas become actions, actions become habits, habits become character.

Lore- Yes, I believe thoughts count. Even if another never tells me exactly what they are thinking, or I reveal what I am thinking it doesn't make the thought any less real. If someone does share with you their thoughts they have revealed a deep part of themselves, and presented something that made them vulnerable. I would be humbled by their sharing their thoughts and be most welcome to them. Namaste-Anora