(02.22.11--Compassion’s Garden!--Proverbs 31:20)
May I ask you a question? Is Compassion a good beginning; but touching those we feel love and compassion for works of service is better?
My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I'm M. Clifford Brunner.
A number of years ago Holly got an early morning phone call from our oldest Grandson, James. He dialed Nana’s number to tell her that something bad had happened. His favorite blankie had a big burn hole in it. James, being the curious, little 6 year- old that he is, was sitting near the living room wood stove. Suddenly thoughts ran through his head. “I wonder what would happen if I touched my blankie to the glass panels on the front of the stove?” He reached over the barricade Rachel and Andy had around the fireplace to keep little boys away. Instantly he burned a hole into his beloved blankie. I think he was looking for some sympathy from Nana. Instead she told him that she would fix it for him. She did and went one step further. Where once there was a hole there was now a Green Bay Packer, logo patch.
Compassion is a good beginning; but touching those we feel love and compassion for with works of service is better.
Here's a story: Fiorello LaGuardia was mayor of New York City during the Great Depression. He was known for his good humor and compassion. One bitterly cold night in January of 1935, he turned up at a night court that served the poorest ward of the city. After dismissing the judge for the evening, he took over the bench himself. A tattered old woman was brought before him, charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She explained that her daughter's husband had deserted her, her daughter was sick, and her two grandchildren were starving. But the shopkeeper refused to drop the charges. LaGuardia turned to the woman and said, "Ten dollars or ten days in jail." He then reached into his pocket, extracted a bill and tossed it into his famous hat, saying, "Here is the fine which I now remit; and I’m going to fine everyone in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so her grandchildren can eat." The following day, newspapers reported that $47.50 was turned over to a bewildered woman. (Sermon.com)
Someone beautifully said, "Sympathy sees and says, 'I'm sorry.' Compassion sees and says, 'I'll help.'" When we learn the difference, we can make a difference. In a way when we open our eyes, hearts and ears to those who are suffering, a small seed of compassion is planted. As Holly listened to little James on the phone tell her his sad story or as LaGuardia studied the tearful countenance of that desperate woman, that seed pushed hard to be watered and nurtured. Fixing that blankie and paying that fine was the watering that was needed. A seed of compassion swelled and burst into a healthy, growing plant of compassionate service. God is calling you and I to, yes, open our eyes to the plight of others. But He doesn’t stop there. He’s calling us to action. Blankies need to be fixed not mourned.
We pray. Heavenly Father, "Sympathy sees and says, 'I'm sorry.' Compassion sees and says, 'I'll help.'" When we learn the difference, we can make a difference. In a way when we open our eyes, hearts and ears to those who are suffering, a small seed of compassion is planted. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
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<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.