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Compassion comes when we least expect it

Contributed by: Erin Di Paolo on 12/20/2006

A funny thing happened to me the other day - I showed compassion to a fellow human being. Not that I am not compassionate. I really am. But lately I have been a bit more self-absorbed than usual. And when I am at work, I usually use every break I get to do a little writing or check my emails. But this week I was given a gift from God: I was given an opportunity to give back just a wee bit of what He has given me.

A co-worker came into my office and I noticed that she was down. This particular person is usually postive and upbeat, so I knew something wasn't right. We began to talk and she started to open up about some struggles she was facing. Since she rarely does this, I was honored and humbled to be the one she shared with. One of the challenges she faces in life is quite common for many: she is oftentimes short of cash. After our conversation ended, I was compelled to give her a little money. Since I rarely carry cash, but had it on this day, I really knew that I was to give her some.

I am not sharing this story to brag, for I have nothing in and of myself to boast about. If it were up to me, I would cling to every last dime and not share with anyone. But because God lives in me and desires to do good through me, I shared with this person. She argued, hemmed and hawed, but knows me well enough to know that when I make up my mind, there is no changing it. She gratefully took the money, hugging me, sobbing, and expressing her thanks.

Even though she was given a gift, I was given the greater one. I was given the gift of being able to help someone. And I wondered to myself, why have I not yet learned the lesson? Why have I still not gotten the fact that it is so much more blessed to give than receive? Will I ever get it? I am not sure, but I kind of doubt it.

Later in the day we had a staff meeting where there was a drawing for Colorado Avalanche tickets. I love sports and really enjoy going to AVs games, though I have not been in a few years. When my number was called, I was shocked, but I should not have been. You see, God already realizes that it is better to give than receive, for He is the author of the words. I just had to smile as I realized that He had given me great gifts on this day and it wasn't just AVs tickets. It was oh, so much more. On this day, I was a BIG winner, not because of a sports team, but because I chose to be on His team for but one brief moment; a team, I might add, that always has a winning record.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Erin Di Paolo

Denver , CO

Erin Di Paolo has posted 61 stories and 6 comments since joining on 3/18/2006. Erin Di Paolo 's average story rating is 4.81.
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