[blockquote source=”Unknown”]”However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you If you do not act on upon them?”[/blockquote]

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working in our Nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

At the time, I was new to this ‘city life’ – mesmerized by its rich history, and awe-struck by the magnificent structures that towered over my head.

At times, it seemed, I was always looking up…so much so, I nearly missed what their shadows hoped to conceal.

Until one day, I noticed an old woman curled up against the steel grating of an old railway shaft – the warm air of the passing trains beneath serving as her only means for survival. She was trying to stay warm, in a winter that promised to be our most brutal yet.

As I stopped to talk with her, my office mate pulled me away, “Don’t ever talk to the homeless here – they’re all crazy.”

And though I knew him to be a man of seemingly good character, still…his comment stopped me dead in my tracks. Not so much for what had been said, but rather…for the greater portion of what had not.

This woman was suffering; and we…had the means to help. And yet, I watched as at least a dozen or so smartly dressed businessmen and women – averted their eyes, and walked away.

Boy, talk about the shock of moving a country girl into a city world…

I could hear in his voice, how very much he believed his words – that somewhere along his journey in life, a single moment forever marred his vision.

And leaving such a terrible smudge on that which is humanity’s mirror…

Of course, I stopped anyway – and, in spite of his stern warnings. And, when he later asked me ‘why’ – I answered simply,

“Because, that’s what we humans should do.”

My dears, I’ve often wondered what is it that separates those who’ll do from those who’ll dream? What is it that causes some to serve, while forcing others to turn away?

What transpires in that micro-instant that carries us from hesitation to action? What serves as the mortar for compassion’s bridge?

Maybe, we fear that which we so desperately hope to avoid – to be so directly touched by the pain that others might feel.

As if the pain and suffering of this world is something that we might ‘catch.’

[blockquote source=”Shantideva”]May I be a guard for those who need protection
A guide for those on the path
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.[/blockquote]

My dears, I have always believed compassion to be our greatest gift…and gratitude, the means by which we are awakened.

But in the end, isn’t it love…that serves always as our call to action?

And, isn’t it strange that this thing we most fear – is perhaps, the very thing that may help to heal us.

It’s certainly something to think consider..