EXPERTS IN COMPASSION

"The charity in our lives is the surest sign that our prayer is authentic and that our lives are moving in the right direction." ( p114)  Father Anthony takes this message from the Benedictine Abbot Dom Chapman letters.

Anyone who knows me well knows I love to browse the local farmer's market.  Today was no exception as I strolled downtown Portland along cobblestone and brick walkways smelling whiffs of salty ocean air, fresh roasted coffee, and the  hint of fresh picked strawberries.  My basket became the vessel for farm fresh eggs, homemade blueberry yogurt, rosemary plant,  dark green spinach, rosemary bread, and big red radishes.  All the makings for a great week of good eating.

However, my attention turned to a short man sitting on a bench and his red bicycle resting against the arm of the bench.  It was the man's smile that captured my interest.  His clothes were rather dirty and his shoes well worn. From a coffee shop on the sidewalk came a young waitress with a hot steamy cup of coffee.  She handed it to the man and told him to be careful because the coffee was very hot.  I watched as she smiled and giggled and coaxed the man in conversation.  He looked at her and smiled.  Actually they were both radiant.

I believe that experience opened my eyes to  the idea that "Compassion is an expression of charity, which is the greatest gift" ( 1 Cor 13:13)  Reflecting back on it I wish I knew more about them.  However, it didn't feel right to disrupt this special moment.  It felt right to observe and know that was a moment for me to learn, by example, the power of the human heart.  Jesus was present in that moment and I noticed.  I will be more observant about being present in the moment as this young girl was.  So grateful for the moment where life was moving slowly and I was part of seeing God's grace.