Compassion

My oldest granddaughter is now five years old.
You are a whole hand, we have been telling her.
Where has the time gone?
It seems like only yesterday when we got the call that she had been born.

Five years ago, my daughter had a baby girl.
The baby girl that I gave birth to, gave birth to her own baby girl.
I have watched through the years from a different vantage point.
I am the Grandma and it is delightful.

A long time ago, I learned that it is wise to have one special thing you say about a child.
Parents of multiple children can practice this wise suggestion.
Be able to say one thing that sets them apart when you introduce them to someone.
Know without a doubt the one thing that sets them apart in your own heart.

That simple thing makes a child feel so special.
They’re not just lumped together with everyone else.
Grandma loves me for this reason ______.
It’s good to rehearse that reason often with the child so it is etched on their heart.

I ask my granddaughter a question that we have talked about many times.
Why are you special?
I remember the first time I asked her that question.
She came up with all sorts of little girl reasons.

You are special for all those things, I told her.
But there is one important reason why you are special to Grandma.
I remember her looking at me with a quizzical expression.
You are special because YOU are the one who made me a Grandma.

I can still see the wide smile filling her whole face.
In her little way she realized that no one else could ever claim that status.
I still ask her that question and she answers the same way.
I’m special because I made you a Grandma.

This past weekend she had a birthday party with friends from her preschool class.
Her siblings and cousins were there, too.
Her little brother and youngest cousin were a bit too young to participate.
However, for everyone else, the party was a lot of fun.

My daughter had planned a few games, which the children all played enthusiastically.
The swing set and sandbox provided so much fun.
There were stone gems hidden in the sand that were found with expert shoveling skills.
The children were laughing and enjoying being together outside.

I stood on the patio, watching the children play before lunch time.
I noticed one little girl sitting under a tree, away from the rest.
At about the same time, my granddaughter noticed it, too.
She left the group and walked up the little hill to the girl under the tree and sat down with her.

There was nothing wrong; no tears, no hurt feelings.
Perhaps, the little girl wanted some time to herself.
Perhaps, she didn’t like the game that was being played.
No matter the reason, my granddaughter saw the little girl by herself and joined her.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

My son-in-love’s mother was there on the patio as well.
Two grandmothers saw this act of compassion.
It was so natural.
No one told her to do it; no one told her to make sure her friend was fine.

Compassion comes from the heart.
Duty could have told my granddaughter to go check on her friend.
However, a compassionate heart sees and acts without being told.
Compassion should be encouraged when we see it in our children.

Compassion is an overflow of the heart.
I watched my granddaughter and silently hoped that I would be as attentive to others.
I pray that I would be as compassionate towards the one who is off by themselves.
I pray that my compassion will lead me to the ones who need it most.

Isn’t that what Jesus did?
Jesus’ life was often filled with detours.
Jesus was compassionate, seeing people as sheep without a shepherd.
Who may need our attention today?

Who is sitting by themselves and may just need a friend nearby?
Who is feeling alone and may just need a visit or a phone call?
Who is on the perimeter and needs to be brought in?
Ask God to show you.

Why are you special?
You are special because God made you in His image.
You are special because even before you were born, God knew you.
You are special because God loves you.

 

2 responses to “Compassion”

1. So sweet! Your granddaughter certainly takes after you (and her parents!)

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   • Oh, thank you, Sue. What a lovely thing to say!
     Gina

     Reply