Unlike domesticated animals, which are fed by their masters in exchange for
their various services, wild animals are not cared for by man. Nonetheless, the
Altruistic Creator does not forsake them. They sing, “Blessed is He who is
good and does good”, constantly, to the myriads of beings that are dependent
upon Him alone and have nothing to give Him in return.
We must be willing to open our scope of kindness beyond that which gives us
a good feeling and good returns. The ultimate "true kindness" is that which is
bestowed to the deceased who cannot reciprocate at all. Anonymous
kindnesses are similarly “true”. We should learn to swallow the bitterness of an
unreturned favor or greeting, and do favors even for those who have wronged
us. It is specifically unappreciative people who most give us the opportunity to
join the choir of the wild animals, and sing the song of Hashem’s selfless,
unconditional kindness.