Image from Evangel Home
I don’t consider myself an especially empathetic person.
Having lived a relatively pampered & spoiled life (as 99% of most Americans have, compared to a good majority of the world’s population) I know very little of true hardship, pain, or deprivation. So empathy, or the ability to be sensitive & aware of the feelings & experiences of others is something that does not come natural. I’m working on it.
Melanie, a bring joy reader, left the following comment on the this post.
I delivered a full-term stillborn baby last night and right now I’m appreciating this post. The reality of coming into and out of this world bringing nothing and taking nothing with us…. Yes, there really is little in this world that we “need.”
We can be content with less. It is the people, not the things, that are important…
I found it first thing this morning in my inbox. I wish I could’ve reached through my computer screen & given Melanie a hug.
Having brought 4 children into the world, I know what an emotional roller coaster creating life can be. I find it difficult to fathom the anguish of a mother who has lost a child.
Joy recently shared in her post The everyday is sacred, an eye opening video by David Foster Wallace entitled “This is Water.” It helped remind me, that I have a choice to be conscious, aware. To realize everyone is struggling with something.
I noticed a few friends on fb share this post on depression today. It’s important for me to read this kind of stuff, because you see, I’m one of those annoying optimistic, just-be-happy! types who have a hard time understanding the complexities & burden of depression.
The point is, in sharing all this with is you, is that some days I’m overwhelmed by the hardness of life.
Why do babies die? Why must mothers have to go through so much turmoil & strife? Why do people struggle with depression for years, perhaps their whole life? The list of hard/sad/painful things goes on & on.
I’m not sure I’ll ever completely understand the point of senseless suffering & pain.
Regardless, I don’t think that’s the point.
I think what’s important is to focus on what I know, rather than what I don’t know.
What I know, is that in my efforts to be understanding & sensitive to the needs & feelings of others, to reach out & be aware, I experience greater empathy.
As a result, I have an increase of peace in my life, which makes this burden easier to bear.
Comments