Day Three of radiation…… My mom zips in and out like a champ. The room is packed today. Sadly, there were no rosy colored glasses at the Cancer Center. 

So many Bible verses stir in my head as I once again watch from afar. The voices around me whisper but the echo of the overwhelmed reminds of their need for encouragement and affirmation. Every life there speaks into the life of another so sweetly. No need for pretense here. Cancer has a way of leveling the playing field. Every life is battling this dreaded disease and the hush often stills the room for understandable moments. In that we steel our resolve to be more attuned to the doors that God opens and obey.

The heartbeat all around today was heavy but made light as the nutritionist offers up some yummy treats with fresh herbs. Just a normal day in the lives of those who care for cancer patients and speak hope into the grasping hand outstretched in need. Physically. Spiritually. Emotionally.

The “eyes” of compassion lift spirits as a young man with a pirate-like patch over his left eye that he had lost to cancer. He casually begins to share April Fools Day jokes all around. And of course, I would fall for the, “Hey your shoe is untied” and I was wearing slip on flats! I smile deep and out loud somehow at the same time. The breath of compassion from all in view was palpable. This young heart, in surrender to his current, humble position breaks the ice of uncomfortable and diffuses any awkward interactions. This gathering of hearts know that this is where hope rises and God’s mercy waves over us with swells of joy.

Today we were gifted with a better view of compassion’s work. The spiritual clothing that we wear encompasses a focused intent to be tender-hearted, mercy-filled, purposefully kind, surrendered and humble with a full spirit of gentleness and patience. This represents our Savior well and with the love of God that grants us the gift….the compassion knows that full well in that we are most blessed.

Genuine compassion embodies a sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a soul deep desire to alleviate it

Today we walked with compassion and asked the Lord to give us eyes more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s leading as we set out in pursuit of a deeper understanding of compassion.