Today I heard one of the most compelling messages I have heard in a very long time.
A message that both inspired me and filled me with conviction. At the exact same moment.
Two words. Two scenarios.
Each similar, but oh, so very different.
Scene One: A mother opens the car door for her small child. The child gets out of the car, and the mother closes the door. Right as the mother slams the car door shut, the child lets out a blood curdling scream. Their hand is stuck in the door. The mother drops everything in her hands, fumbling for the keys to unlock the door. She unlocks the door, freeing her child's hand. Then she gathers her child into her arms, comforting and soothing the damage done by the car door.
Compassion: seeing a need and meeting it
Comparison: seeing a need and being thankful it isn't yours
Now, for those of us with common sense, this second scenario is wrong on so many levels.
What mother would do that to her child?
Who could see someone in such agony and not do something about it?
But, is that not what we often do when we see someone in need?
We sit back, breath a sigh of relief and say, "Man, I'm glad that's not me."
Such a mind blowing and powerful thought!
Am I truly showing someone compassion, or is it merely a situational comparison?
Maybe, instead of focusing on how much better I have it than other people, I can get out there and do something to change their situation.
Instead of talking about loving people, I just go out and do it. And by love I mean act.
And as terrifying as the reality of that statement is, it also lights a fire in my soul.
Because to quote one of my favorite authors, "love does."
To add to that? So does compassion.
Two words. So similar, yet so different.
Which one will you choose today?
No comments:
Post a Comment