In just the last few months Meggie and I have experienced an overflowing amount of compassion from strangers, from other children, and from long time friends, at just the right time, for an achy heart. God knows when we feel broken hearted, desperate, and needy...and he always has just the right cure for any symptom or disease.
After a great summer, we were gearing up for the fall, school staring, doctors appointments, business travel for my husband, meetings, school functions, and Meggie's program and all the busyness in between. Trying desperately to manage family's schedule and hoping for a good healthy year for Meggie, there was a part of me trying to be strong, feeling as tho things are all on my shoulders. Why we let ourselves feel this way when God is always with us, I don't know I can even answer that.
Emma's compassion
The summer brings back memories of visiting with family and friends, one of our relatives came out with their granddaughter, who spent some time at our house, and while she was here, she brought such joy to our home. The contagious laughter, the endless energy, the fun and games that only a child like heart can grasp and appreciate. This was a child who would just make Meggie laugh and smile each time she came to visit, and each ounce of attention given from Emma to Meggie was just a ray of sunshine to her soul. Emma could do little things which in Meggie's world would equate to big things, like hand her a piece of her favorite paper, put her pillow in place for her, watch a show with her, or just take time to talk with her. Whatever was done for Meggie was always done very lovingly by Emma. 
Compassion from Stranger's
On another occasion my oldest daughter, a couple of her friend, Meggie and I took a day trip to a mall a couple of hours away. After being in the mall for a time Meggie and I stopped to take a break and sit, when I started to give Meggie some water through her feeding tube, (trying to sit in a quiet place not to bother anyone.) there was a couple who was sitting next to us and took note of Meggie being feed, while tending to their grandchild. Though not many words were exchange, the looks and smiles they gave to Meggie and I were very appreciated, I could tell by their faces, the compassion they were showing, thank you for the support you showed, it means more than words can say.
Coming as stranger's, leaving as friends
The second stop we made that afternoon was back at the food court, as I was walking there was a young lady in a wheelchair looking and pointing at Meggie. After finishing in line I walked up to the young lady (who had downs syndrome and other issues she was dealing with) and her mother, and asked her if she liked all the decorations on Meggie's chair. Meggie's chair is always a good conversation opener, (we always have it decked out with glitzy girl stickers) even though I was certain she had more questions than stickers. The Young lady's mother told me her daughter was enquiring about Meggie due to her wheelchair, and was concerned whether she was ok or not. The young lady asked me repeatedly "Is she ok? Is she going to be alright?" The sympathy in her voice, and the fact that she herself had many issues to deal with was absolutely a striking example of compassion to me. Despite of her mother's reminder to her that she was in a wheelchair too, she seemed blind to her own issues and was taken with compassion for Meggie.
After a nice conversation with the young lady and her mother, I left feeling comforted to meet a mother whom I could truly sympathize with, and a young lady whom I could love and appreciate for who she is. Thank you for your striking example of compassion.
A child shall lead
And what about the little boy in the library, who immediately upon seeing Meggie and I walking up to the door, pushed the handicap button, so the door would open for us, without anyone even asking him to do so. When his mother saw he was playing by the doors, she started to call him and make sure he was not in trouble, that's when I spoke up and told her he was only being a big helper and thanked him kindly for quickly coming to our aid. Not only did he offer help at the door, but without hesitation he began to carry on a conversation to Meggie, and take an interest in her and the neat wheelchair with the wheels that seem to perk up most little boys. Before I knew it he wanted to push Meggie around the library and give her a ride. His mother was a bit hesitant at first, but I reassured her it would be fine and that Meggie would love the time and attention he was so eager to give.
Who was speaking to that young boy (maybe only age 3-4 years) to act with such compassion, children are not to young to be used by God.
Thank you for being a friend......
Then there's Jayne, this is Meggie's little friend, who would bring a smile to her face upon mentioning her name, for days after spending just one afternoon together. One Sunday afternoon spending time with several families from our church at a potluck, Meggie was entertained by a sweet, cheery little girl with long strawberry blonde hair, freckles, and a missing tooth. Jayne would be in and out the house, frequently checking in on Meggie, and soon became her little nurse, with much compassion, straightening her pillow, picking up toys she would drop, wiping drool from her face when needed, and asking if she could pour the milk into her feeding tube. Not only did she care for Meggie, but she took the time to sit with me, having a lengthy conversation, and asking many questions not many children would ask, while all the other children were outside playing. Before I knew, to my amazement, there was Meggie's little nurse Jayne explaining to another child, while she was taking care of Meggie, how her brain did not tell her legs to walk, just as I had explained to her. How could Meggie not love Jayne, especially when Jayne loved Meggie (unconditionally) first.
Then there's our pastor who quietly comes to Meggie on a Sunday morning church service and ever so gentle puts his hand on Meggie's head, showing his compassion, to a child who he calls his friend to others. This child knows him and if she could speak... would call him friend. What a blessing to have that Christ like example.
The greatest example of compassion I can share is Our Lord Jesus Christ, he responds to all our needs and suffering with a heart bursting with deep love, with compassion that moves him to step in to our lives. He was an example to us, that we may show compassion to the needy, and so we may care enough to get involved in the lives of others.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22
All the kind words and actions, warm my heart, the prayers and the compassion heal our hearts and give strength for a new day.
I pray your heart will not only receive compassion, but will be bursting with love, and you will desire to give compassion and get involved in others lives, then you will find true joy!
Everyone needs compassion.....
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