On Compassion

 

Compassion is a “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” I am convinced that compassion is something that cannot be taught; rather, compassion is something that blooms from within the soul. It is borne out of love and is demonstrated by listening, then acting.

My journey with infertility has opened my eyes to what it means to embody compassion, as it has been extended to Parker and me on so many occasions. While I am still striving to personify this characteristic, I have come to understand that the first step in doing so is to be a friend—to genuinely care about the wellbeing of another and to express it.

Time and again, the compassion of others has brought bloom to our lives by way of a listening ear, an unexpected phone call, a prayer, an invitation to be included, a word of encouragement, a basket of goodies, a compliment, a donation of infertility medication, a thoughtful text message, a kind word, a hug, a homemade meal, an unexpected visit, a smile, a shoulder to lean on, an email, a thank you, a blessing, an act of kindness, picking up the slack when we felt too weak, and even in a log of goat cheese (story to come). 

If you are anything like me, accepting acts of compassion can sometimes be difficult; however, compassion accepted can be the best medicine to sooth a troubled heart.

So, as Mother Teresa said, always remember to  . . .

You never know whose smile you might brighten.