Today’s Reflection
HOW DO WE BEGIN to care less compulsively? First, we honor the gap between our feelings of care and compassion for someone and our desire to help immediately. When we feel another person’s pain, rather than leaping into any set or predetermined active response, we acknowledge that we don’t know exactly what this person needs. Our initial response must simply be our presence; we listen deeply and get alongside the suffering person. Inwardly, we direct a glance Godward and ask, “Lord, how would you have me respond here?” With this modest attitude we seek the whisperings of the Spirit, respect the mystery of our neighbor, and practice the art of compassionate nondoing.
—Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2005)
Today’s Question
Think of a circumstance where you are called to show compassion. Ask yourself, “Lord, how would you have me respond here?” Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
—Matthew 10:40 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Give me the eyes to see when others hurt, the ears to hear when others cry, and the courage to bring light into their darkness.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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7 Comments
I will try this exercise the next time the opportunity presents. It would be valuable for me as I tend to be doer.
Prayers for Jill and may she not suffer from compassion fatigue as so many loved ones and acquaintances deal with painful life situations.
Prayers for safe travel for Robert and much fun at the convention.
Prayers for Mary and may she not suffer compassion fatigue as she gives of herself to so many.
Prayers for healing for Andrea, Connie and Marcy. May we hear from them soon.
Prayers for April, BJ, Betsy and Lou.
I tried the sitting quietly exercise. I kept falling asleep. I am always tired, sigh.
Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR faithful
Julie, thank you for your prayers. Yes, it’s hard to know how to respond at times. I pray for God to lead me to respond as He would have me to. For quite some time, I didn’t have Internet access, so I am not up to date on everything, but it sounds like you’re doing an exercise program that is very helpful for you! That’s wonderful! Try not to overdo it, though. You are still my first contact ever, and I will always remember that! I’m working very hard to get it back together. Hopefully, I can be useful again soon. I know God has kept me going, even in the darkest nights! Sending Love to you, Julie!
Thanks Julie!
May you not suffer from compassion fatigue too.
May God be our source of love as we show compassion to others daily.
May God give us the eyes to see when others hurt, the ears to hear when others cry, and the courage to bring light into their darkness!
May all be well and may God’s presence always be with us!
Hello UR Reflections friends!
I continue to pray for you all. God is so good! He cares for us every second of every day for eternity. We trust in Him to lead us do what is good for one another, through all! Lord, please show me how I can do good from where I am, I pray!
To explain just a bit: I had very serious medication reactions several months ago, then various procedures and continued migraine headaches. Then I started suffering episodes of PTSD. I was thrashing around at night when I tried to sleep, fighting for my life again from vivid nightmares, reliving abuse and violence. It got so bad, I had no sleep and got to my knees to God, praying for relief. I was unable to get up from the floor and had to use my lifeline button for help. Shortly thereafter, I went into hospital for mental health treatment. I had been praying every morning and every night all along. Through many, many sleepless days and nights, I prayed to God. Not just for myself, but for names I know and those I don’t know. I still don’t know what triggered these episodes. That’s what scares me. Will it happen again? God will be there.
I am slowly getting back on my feet, literally. I have been unable to go to Pulmonary therapy since the beginning of July. The migraines were relentless and I ended up in the ER twice. As I deal with vision issues, I struggle with reading and writing, but am trying to work my way through that also. I start Pulmonary therapy again on October 7th if all goes well.
Oh, how I long for the days I could jump in at any time to help others! Or at least be able to be available when needed! I pray and that is all I can do at this point. And God is strengthening me and I know He strengthens us all, no matter what we are going through.
Thank You, Almighty Father, for being our Rock! Thank You, Jesus Christ, our Savior, for loving the least of us, along with the rest of us, as long as our belief in You stays strong! As long as it takes to get there. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for leading us out of the darkest of nights, to shining day, and keeping us connected!
And these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE!
It is so good to see posts from Marcy. I have an inkling we have all been keeping you in prayer, none more than Julie. Thank you for your faithfulness, Julie. Marcy – may God – our Great Rock – continue to comfort you and see you through.
What Trevor Hudson says above is so true. It is more real to me now, more than ever before. When times were very difficult with mom, I didn’t want anyone making suggestions on how to fix the situation, or what I could do differently. I just needed the blessed, quiet presence of another individual. And, their willingness to pray with me – very huge.
Now, when I have a conversation with my friend whose daughter is still struggling – it is about listening and praying.
So off of my schedule right now. This morning was the marathon in my town and I was volunteering at one of the fluid stations. Many of my students came out as well. Luckily I was home afternoon, with no further commitments for the day. Laundry, yard work, pulling up those leggy impatients – and now this evening, a walk and two letters of recommendation to write.
Thank you for your prayers, Jill. And thank you everyone who has kept me in prayer!
I guess it is different for each person. Personally, I need lots of encouragement through the difficult times in my life. The absence of close family members, that have gone Home to heaven, has really affected things for me. God has provided special friends, and my Pastor and some church members, that have stood in those empty spots. You know, like who to call in an emergency, for example. I remember many here reminding me in the past, that God is our Father. And really, on a lighter note, I can’t put into words how much my ginger tabby girl, Lucy, helps! 🙂 She was quite unsettled while I was away.
Blessings, Jill! May you sleep well tonight, after a busy day! ♡♡
Haven’t asked the Lord this question. I usually respond as I think I am able. Of course doing things the way the Lord wants them done is best. God knows what’s needed better than I do.
Had a good convention, great weather, some photos Sunday morning and then I’m headed home. Prayers for a safe trip. Thank You, Lord.
Marcy, you have been in my thoughts and prayers and it is so good to read your posts. Thankfully the Lord has enabled, cared for, and supported you through very tough times. My prayers for healing and restoration. Thank You,
Lord.
The railroad historical society convention was in Palmer MA, the town of 7 railroads. The New England Central, successor to the Central Vermont, runs here. Saw the yard, took a photo on an engine, ate in the former station, now a restaurant, and saw trains, Amtrak and CSXT, go by. Have met with a very knowledgeable new friend who shares many experiences similar to me not only with trains but with places, East Asia, and wife.
Prayers of thanks for Julie’s prayers, health, and safety, Jill’s school, students, dad, Larry; cancer support group, and church, Mary’s faithful posts of support for us all, and her care for those she meets. I, too, add the names of others mentioned in Julie’s prayer. The Lord is with you, thank You, Lord.
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