Genuine Compassion – Monday Message

Suncoast Hospice Director of Spiritual Care Jim Andrews

I was discussing with a colleague from another organization recently a situation where someone they were trying to help was not open to receiving their support. Instead, this person was upset and angry and asked them to leave. It caused me to reflect on the complicated and oftentimes unpredictable nature of human relationships. There are just times when things don’t go as we had hoped. This quote from meditation teacher, Kaira Jewel Lingo brings out a very important truth to hold onto in those tough times when we aren’t able to connect in spite of our best efforts. She writes, “An action done out of pure intent to bring joy or to relieve suffering is never lost, even if the immediate outcome is not what we want.”

We can’t know what people are carrying, or always understand how they react to us. We can know, however, that when we offer genuine compassion it is never wasted.

Have a great week, everyone!

Jim