Compassion. It's what I want

Compassion.
I know that Jesus had it.
And I know that I don't have it enough.
But I want to. I want to be a person who lives a compassionate life.
I want to be released from this prison called my own skin so that I can finally be the hands and feet of Jesus.

But for now, for whatever reason, I have to admit that compassion has been very hit or miss in my life. I am usually satisfied with sending a few dollars every month to Africa. Or handing over a backpack, that I didn't even purchase, to a child in my classroom.

But do I really know people? Do I know their needs and their hurts?
Do I know about their little victories? Do I even care?
Or, am I an ignorer of the ignored?
Do I push people down, not by words, but by my obvious lack of interest?
Am I a stealer of joy because what is important to them is not important to anyone, including me, and they know it? Can joy be experienced in a vacuum?
Who in my circle have I allowed to remain lost and alone?

Jesus was so the opposite of me. He could read people like a book. He knew about their physical agonies, and He knew about the agonies of their hearts as well:

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

What will it take to stir the embers of compassion in my heart until they are ablaze?
I already know that I cannot do it on my own, so I am depending upon You.
I beseech You, Lord of the harvest, transform me into a harvest worker for Your glory.
Help me to see with Your eyes.
Help me to read people and enter into their story with gifts of encouragement and love.
Help me to be a woman of compassion.
It's what I want.

Fall

I always love fall, but I'm especially looking forward to it this year because we will be in our new house with an incredibly beautiful view of the mountains. And then, a couple of weeks later, Hannah and Sophia will be here for a week. Time to play with my sweet baby and to have my shopping buddy back with me.

Then, my mom and dad are coming for Thanksgiving, and all three girls, Dustin, and Sophia will be here for Christmas. Finally, a place where family can gather again!

Michael and I have so much to be grateful for, and we are.

Jen was home this weekend. She finally got to see her niece! It was love at first sight.

What's Up?

Michael led his last worship set at Fellowship. It was a bitter sweet day. Here's what my cute husband looked like on his last leadership day, surrounded by friends we hold very, very, very dear.

On another note, last Friday we got to keep our grandbaby, Sophia Grace. That might have been the only time that I'll be able to pull her away from her mommy and daddy. She is so beautiful! I'm going to miss being close to her, Hannah, Dustin, and Erin more than any thing else.

Sophia Grace

I have become MiMi. Michael has become PaPa. Welcome to the world, baby. You are loved.