OK, I have provided an honest, non-sugar-coated description of how I’m doing in “My Day” below. This describes ‘how” I’ve been doing generally for the past 4-5 weeks, and if you don’t want to invest a chunk of time reading it, the short answer is that I’ve been pretty well. There are challenges and limitations but I’m OK. This was a necessary pre-cursor to what I am going to try to write now and over the next few days.
Through this health challenge, I have learned some valuable lessons on compassion. Why don’t I share these lessons? Well, first, I don’t know that I can put these insights into words, but I’ll try. Second, it doesn’t make for light reading as each of these lessons was learned while my heart was, say, “tenderized” to such things. Finally, I don’t know that these insights will be “news” to anyone; you likely already know these things.
Even though I was thrice Elders Quorum President and have had countless service opportunities in the church, these were lessons for me. I do not consider myself a naturally compassionate man and on the infrequent occasions that I found myself face-to-face with a need for compassionate service, I was awkward at best.
I remember one day about 10 years ago my sister was very depressed and sad. I happened to stop by her home unexpectedly and she was crying. Despite my desire to help her, I couldn’t find any words of cheer or comfort. Perhaps a bit more harrowing was when I found myself at my brother’s bedside in a hospital in Amarillo. I was there and I wished to help, but it was awkward. Why doesn’t compassion come easily for my own siblings who I love dearly?
Not surprisingly, I have found natural compassion for my children when they are distressed. When Natalie was a little younger, she had somewhat frequent bouts with an upset stomach. I spent a lot of time crouched next to her while she underwent the somewhat harrowing pain associated with digestion problems. I held her hand, I sang to her, and I tried to provide comfort and encouragement.
I guess my point is that it was within me, but barely. I mean the desire was there, the love was there, but life was just flying by so fast that I just didn’t notice the need or worse, when face-to-face with a need, I didn’t know what to say or how to act. I was ripe for the lessons that I will try to put into words over the coming days.
3 comments:
You've always had a wonderful gift for painting pictures with words, Dave. I look forward to reading your insights.
"Eeee-Cheee-Ro, Eeee-Cheee-Ro"--something to put a smile on your face!
I love when I can recognize a lesson I've learned through a trial. That's when I see the need for the trial. Great writing.
You are an inspiration. Keep sharing your insights they give us all strength to move forward dispite the pain. A stake president once said that behind every face is a problem and this was a man who has buried 4 of his 5 children all after the age of 18 from illness. Thanks for reminding me that everyone needs to reach out with a tender touch and lift all those we come in contact with for we never know the pain they maybe going through.
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