Compassion

Painting by Jerry PinkneyIt sits on my bookshelf and I refer to it now and then.

"The Book of Virtues" by Bill Bennett

It contains material that at one time, was taught

to children in schools, homes and churches....all for the sake

of shaping character. The vast majority of

Americans share a respect for certain fundamental

traits of character: honesty, compassion, courage

and perseverance. My focus today is on compassion.

This past week, I witnessed the lack of compassion

and kindness. It was hurtful and had a sting to it.

I was reminded of one of the oldest and best-loved

stories of kindness paid and re-paid.....

"The Lion and the Mouse."

"You laughed at me once," said the mouse. "You

thought I was too little to do you a good turn. But

see, you owe your life to a poor little mouse."

~Aesop

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The lesson here....To feel another's anguish........

this is the essence of compassion.

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Continuing the journey......Dee Dee