Compassion

I enjoy making peace dove because in making them and looking at them, I am reminded of what I strive to be. I am not perfectly peaceful and compassionate all the time. Although darn it, one day I intend to be!

The doves help me practice peace because they are symbols. And the quality I am contemplating today is compassion, for others and for self. One definition of compassion is sympathetic concern for the suffering, together with the inclination to offer aid, support, or mercy.

Life can be tough, more so than I ever remember. It can be easy to become impatient, or critical. But usually in any situation all the facts are not known. I often don't know what another person has suffered to react in anger, nor do others know what my challenges are. The only one who really knows us is God.

If I can offer myself compassion when feeling misunderstood, than I find that I am more readily able to offer it to others. In each situation what form of compassion can I give? Maybe an apology? Maybe a prayer? Maybe a thought of kindness and well wishes to someone who really doesn't seem to deserve it. I wish you a compassion that embraces yourself, and others on this challenging journey called life. And that grows peace.