Hello again! Sorry it's been so long since I posted on here. Things have been pretty crazy. Nevertheless, the word of the week is compassion.
I think one of the most common challenges we face daily is whether or not to show our compassion for others because expressing compassion makes us so vulnerable. There are just too many possible outcomes. What if we look strange for beings uncommonly kind? What if we seem foolish? What if they take it the wrong way? Compassion is daring, true, but it is so crucial to getting to that next level in our faith journey. We can't let ourselves be comfortable when there are so many people to reach out to- the worried looking mother at the grocery store, the guy on crutches from a sports injury, the elderly who never have company, the crying baby at church. Who is unworthy of our compassion?
St. Francis says, “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today." Let us be light for others and instruments of boundless compassion by mirroring Christ's example with hope that we may not only show our love to those we serve directly, but also to those we serve by providing a positive example.
And while it is easy to contribute several small acts of kindness, I challenge us to push past the comfort zone of small things and show initiative to really convey compassion to our neighbors. Perhaps we could start with smaller acts of compassion and work up to larger acts toward the end of the week.
Ways to show compassion this week:
1. Write letters to your local hospital, nursing home, or school with warm wishes. Remind them that you're thinking of them and praying for them diligently.
2. Indirectly show compassion by praying the rosary for a group of people (mothers considering abortion, teenagers considering suicide, those without the freedom of religion, those suffering from cancer).
3. Send flowers to 5 people who have made a significant impact on your life including a note expressing your appreciation and love
4. Purposefully sit near someone who you think needs a lift and start a conversation. It doesn't have to be anything drastic or deep, but it might be nice for them to get their mind off of things for a moment.
5. Give hugs. Lots of them.
6. Find a volunteer association you are absolutely passionate about and take the initiative to dedicate your time routinely
7. Start a can drive, clothing drive, or book drive throughout your office, school, or family. Every bit counts.
8. Watch out for scouts in need of help for their Gold Award or Eagle Award.
9. Next time you're on an airplane, at the nail salon, or on the bus begin a conversation with the people around you. I honestly think that sometimes the greatest gifts we can give are friendliness and a listening ear. Sometimes people just need to tell their story to someone, whether it be the most recent events of their day or a childhood memory. Last time I was at the nail salon I heard the most fascinating stories about the details of the adventurous travel experience of the man doing my nails. I think it's really important for people to have the opportunity to tell these stories to someone who is willing to listen intently.
10. Organize your living space. The people you live with will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
11. Give a friend a framed picture of you two with quick note.
12. Pack a family member's lunch for them.
15. Pick up the litter you see as you walk around today (compassion for not only those around you, but also for the Earth we live in!)
Prayers up and anchors down,
Katie :)
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