Over the last few months, I have learned a great deal about compassion. I have always known the importance and I’ve always had it in my heart, but when pushed to my limit, am I able to find compassion? While I was reading The Book Of JOY, by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, there was one concept that continued to be forefront in my mind.  It was a description of how the Dalai Lama gave people his complete attention by locking hands with the individual and looking into their eyes with kindness.  His genuine compassion made people feel at…

I can’t answer why we suffer or why some suffer and some seem to move through life spared by significant suffering.  But here are a few of my thoughts on the topic, none of which have been dreamed up by me, but rather things I have learned through others. We really don’t know who is suffering in this world.  Someone very special to me would say, “We all have a cane, mine is just visible to others.”  My mind always moved immediately to a friend of mine who was physically in a very frail condition.  She had severe…

Family, a melting pot of different personalities with some common core.  It is not easy to define family.   It is my hope that unity, love, and forgiveness are part of the equation.  My family has been an important part of my life.  Second only to my faith.  When I was young, we had a large extended family with lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins.  I thought it was normal to have family in and out of the house weekly if not daily.  Long ago I remember a neighbor telling us our family always looks like we are having fun, they…

It is one of those days where I am off focus.  I drift and find myself unable to hear the words that I know are there for me to convey.  I get restless and a bit frustrated as the time gets later and later.  Thinking to myself, why can I not focus?  I take a moment to pray and trust in Jesus.  Whenever I feel a bit off I know that I have shifted and taken back control.  When Jesus is in control, my whole being is at peace.  When I allow frustration to surface, I know that I need…