By Tonya S. Swindell

Recently I reflected on the actions of a boy who showed my family compassion just before the 2017-2018 school year. Because of his unselfishness and kind acts of service, each of my children received school supplies after we experienced a devastating house fire. And because of his willingness to help us, we’re becoming more aware of how we can bless others.

The boy’s name is John. He is the son of a friend whom I’ve known and loved for many years. According to Sheknows.com, “John” is a Hebrew name meaning, “Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor.”

For as long as I can remember, John’s mom talked about how much he loved people, so it may not have surprised her when he expressed a desire to meet my family’s need. My friend and her husband responded to John’s request and gave generously to us as they felt led.

After our friends delivered the school supplies, John and my kids played together. They watched TV and shot hoops on a miniature basketball goal they gave us. My husband, John’s parents and I talked and reminisced. The time we spent together was memorable, and our friends’ support was invaluable.

Mike Casper, author of a writing titled, “Have Mercy” at www.intouch.org, described what it means to have “compassion” saying, “More than empathy, it is a movement of our emotions and thoughts that recognizes or identifies with the suffering of another. Or perhaps it’s better to say that compassion is a deeper kind of empathy — one that is not content to sit at the margins and merely observe, even if in a feeling way, the pain of others. Compassion does. It cannot sit by. It heals. It moves towards those who are suffering…”

John and his family’s bold acts of love reminded me of several truths:

4We don’t have to be the same color as another person to love them;

4Kids can be a blessing to others if we allow them to be;

4Genuine compassion can help people regain a sense of happiness after going through or surviving traumatic experiences.

Compassion seems to be a key component of happiness. Dalai Lama is credited with saying, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

Recently I learned about the Tillery family, who brought happiness to several Suffolk children through their annual school supply giveaway. I also learned about Enlightened Minds Mentoring, a local organization scheduled to provide shoes for kids at Greenbrier Mall on Aug. 25. I was informed they were receiving donations from people interested in supporting the cause. If interested, call 286-2672.

John brought happiness, showed favor and was gracious, because of his strong compassion. Now I’m becoming more aware of how much simple kindness can impact my actions. And my prayer is that I will move toward others and bring healing to hearts just like John did for us.

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and is a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.