Compassion

Over the past few weeks, it occurred to me that I was becoming numb to suffering around me. It’s not that I did not care, but I found it increasingly difficult to empathize. All my life I have been a very empathetic person, so I was concerned. Very recently, I gave it some serious thought and realized that I was overwhelmed and overloaded. I have experienced many setbacks in recent times and felt emotionally disconnected. I was in complete self-preservation mode. All human beings have different reactions to extenuating circumstances in their  lives. Some of us, I suppose roll with the punches, for lack of a better phrase. Others may take a different path. In any case, I believe in the long run, it affects us all. For some people it may take a longer time, for others, that span is shorter.

I have always had a high tolerance for pain and also disappointment. From a very young age, I knew my life was different and I would most likely have a challenging one. I suppose because of this knowledge, more so than many people; I generally  accepted my bitter pill…eventually. I usually tried to move on from life’s disappointments and look towards the future. As you age though, this becomes increasingly harder. Recently it seemed like the intervals between the good and bad times were becoming shorter. That left less time to recover mentally and physically, and thus move forward. So, when the world once again seemed to be imploding around me, I felt numb. I believe one of the greatest quotes from the bible is: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is so succinct.

The above is spoken in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12. This passage is known as the ‘Golden Rule.’ For me personally, I do not take that phrase to mean…love or like everyone. We are only human, after all. The words though speak for themselves. I think if people followed these mighty words, the entire world would be in a better place. I say this mostly pertaining to my life. I think I was starting to become numb to the suffering of others, because I felt abandoned during my time of need. I also felt I was not always treated with fairness and kindness. But, I am grateful that I always have the most powerful person to turn to …Jesus Christ.

I don’t want to become insensitive to people’s suffering. Nevertheless; I understand more fully now, how easily a lack of compassion by others, can lead to becoming desensitized in one’s own life. People say…“leave the past in the past.” Nevertheless; life’s hardships can take its toll. Resilience can become an overrated characteristic. Regardless of your life experiences; we should never forget the power of kindness and compassion towards our fellow man. We should all strive to live by the ‘Golden Rule.’