COMPASSION
Compassion is, in modern times, an exceptionally complex term.
It is relatively easy for man to give sincere consideration to the rights of others and to expect the same treatment in return, but the concept is not universally understood. Many of us feel we are under special obligations to think tiwce before acting in compassionate giving.
At the present moment of our history, when we are both ending and continuing a "war" of a worldwide nature, we are cofused as to the nature of our giving. If strikes us with more force durign this Christmas season of the year, too.
How had we best go about donating food and fiber to those who are, obviously, in need? Should such giving be done through governmenal channels? Religious or social groups? Or, individually, perhaps? Each system seems to have faults of its own, too, so the choice is not always easy. Care must also be taken to see that such materials as are made availabe to he needy are of a nature which allows them to be used rather than sold. Shipping a burlap sack of hundreds of pounds of barley grain will prove to be of little use to the native who has never eaten barley and has no way of preparing.it. Such a gift will probabilty end up at cattle or bird feed or at the equivalent of the local brewery. There is a definite group of givers who give only what they don't want themslves, or that which happens to be available in excess at a given time. Such surplus or cast off charity can be harmful in that it takes the place of more sincere giving.
Clothing and household needs are needed, too. Relief is not all food. Nor, is it all money, either. True giving must seek to transfer a portion of what we call ":the good life" we enjoy to others. We give of ourselves and way of living in some strange, mysterious ways. Simple gifts can become treasures at some spot around the world. Find the manner of giving which seems most logical and efficient to you, and give systematically in relation to your income and your willingness to share your blessings.
Worthy charity is seldom a matter of sitting back comfortably and throwing money at a problem. That is often a problem with govrnbmentl bodies and oganized charities. Reflect rather on the times when you have been in need - however slightly. In th final sense, show compassion for others by letting your past guide your present and future.
We are all that which we have been.
A.L.M. December 21, 2003 [c441wds]
