Tag Archives: compassion

Be Kind

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img_2306Had a whole blog written about staycations. Got about three paragraphs in and realized it was so mundane and boring, that I wouldn’t even read it. Deleted the whole thing.

Instead, just a quick reminder:

Be kind.

Today Don and I spent a lot of time with sales clerks, waitresses and cashiers, fellow drivers on the interstate and hospital workers. Now that I’m home, quietly snuggled up on my couch, I’ve been thinking about those small connections and praying I reflected Christ in a way that brings Him glory.

Did I show appreciation for the service I was given? Did I tip generously? Did I smile and make eye contact with those I was speaking with? Did I listen well and respond appropriately? Did I show respect and compassion, even if given less than stellar service? Was I honest in all my dealings?

It doesn’t take much extra effort…and kindness speaks so well to people everywhere. The apostle Paul says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”  (Philippians 2:3)

What a great way to give testimony of Jesus to the world around us.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Day 4 – God Is…

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attributes_of_godMy “30 Days of Gratitude” list has me contemplating the attributes of the God today. Imagine having to pick one attribute that I’m most thankful for. That’s like picking my favorite candy bar or my favorite child. Impossible. God is omniscient, omnipotent, immutable, holy, sovereign, infinite, transcendent, self-sufficient, wise, faithful…and so much more. For the sake of needing to blog today, I’ll pick one attribute of God that touches my heart the most…the mercy of God.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and sin…” Exodus 34:6-7a

Have you ever watched your children misbehave and you knew you should discipline them so they won’t disobey again, but instead of giving them what they deserve, you hug them, snuggle them, and tell them how much you love them. That is mercy. Showing kindness and compassion, instead of judgment.

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

God continually shows mercy to those who love Him. He also shows mercy to those who don’t know Him at all. As our world continues to taunt Him, to reject His Son, to flaunt sin and lawlessness, God shows mercy…over and over and over.

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Romans 2:4-5

I am so thankful for God’s mercy to me. He did not give me what I deserve but instead shows me His love and grace and mercy…day after day. I am so grateful.

Be All There

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It’s been a crazy hectic day. Items from my “to-do” list have been jumping off the page since I woke up this morning. I skipped my workout (probably not my best decision but I was sooo tired) and snuggled under my electric blanket for an extra hour. Then my wonderful husband made me a hot breakfast…and not warm milk on my cornflakes…a really hot breakfast of scrambled eggs filled with great veggies. He’s a keeper.

But the minute I hit the office doors, it’s been nuts. And as much as I try to multi-task to get more accomplished…less seems to be getting done. So on my 3-mile walk over lunch I came to a conclusion.

I need to be totally present in the moment.

Just today I’ve heard about a co-worker’s husband who has Stage 4 cancer, another co-worker dealing with aging relatives who are sucking every bit of joy out of her life, a long time friend who recently suffered a very debilitating stroke and a friend’s nephew battling through recovery from a heart transplant. Real deal troubles, all of them. They deserve my full attention…so they know they matter to me…so I can pray intelligently. I cannot obey God’s command to “encourage one another” when I’m only listening with a fraction of my attention and staring at my computer screen or smartphone with the rest.

Physically – I need to maintain eye contact with the person speaking to me. I need to show them that what they are telling me is important and worth my time. Mentally – I need to put aside my “gotta get this done right now” list and be all there. Emotionally – I need to empathize and show compassion and kindness.

I know. I know. This doesn’t help me get more off my “to-do” list.  I can’t be everything to everybody. But I can be somebody to someone who needs a shoulder, an ear or a smile. As a believer in Jesus, I’m called to spread His love to those around me. Can’t do it if I’m only partially present…gotta be all there.

be all there