Learning from the Littlest: A Compassion Post

Ever since he was the smallest of little boys, Bubs showed compassion in a way that melted (and convicted) our hearts. For example, when he was just barely over a year old, we were at a party and one of the other small ones began crying because his mama had stepped into the next room. Bubsie toddled over to him and began patting him on the back, leaning his head forward so he could see his sad buddy's face.

B's compassionate nature continues to shine as he grows older.

Last night, as he and N were reading one of his favorite books before bedtime, they got to this page:

And B was noticeably concerned, saying, "Lukey twying? Lukey twying? Ahm-nee fall down?" (Luke crying? Ice cream fall down?)

It's just a small thing, but as we have been heartbreakingly inundated with everybody and their second-cousin-once-removed's opinions about gun control, mental health, a culture of violence, and (this is what gets me most) personal rights, I am so grateful for the small reminders about the things that really matter, the things of God.

It's easy to get all riled up and feel the urge to jump into the endless debates, but (and I posted on FB yesterday, so some of you will have read it before), sometimes, children's songs say it best. I've had this one repeating in my head (as those types of songs often have the habit of doing). For once, I'm glad for the endless repetition.

"Be kind.
In every way, be kind.
Be kind to each other and everyone else.
Be kind.
In every way, be kind.
Be kind to each other and everyone else you know.
It's time to let your kindness show."
 
It really is time to get over ourselves, work on our childlike faith, muster up some COMPASSION, and just be kind.

You know, it's not just about those 20 children and 7 adults who tragically lost their lives a week ago. It's also about these children. 

And these children.

But you know what? The difference is, there is hope for a better world for that last group of kids. YOU can be a part of making the world a better place for them.

Compassion International is currently running a campaign called "It's About Giving." And what better time to GIVE than at Christmas-time, a time when we are reminded of how thankful we should be for the incredible gift God gave us?

Their campaign goal is to raise $20,000 through Compassion's Christmas Gift Catalog for children living in extreme poverty. You know what's hard to believe or accept, though? That they have had just $532 in gifts given so far this holiday season.

Friends, even those of us who are tight financially are able to give small Christmas gifts to our precious little ones. I know. We're there, too. Most of the gifts under the tree for B this year are hand-me-downs and homemade. In fact, I think the only new things are in his stocking.
 
The gifts in the Compassion Gift Catalog are not your regular, old, run-of-the-mill gifts. They're things like emergency feedings, safe water, medical needs, equipping a family with livestock. The gift amounts are mere suggestions. 

You can give just a dollar. 

Or you can give $500.

Brianne from Compassion says this: "I have visited a few of the countries where Compassion works and I've talked to the children about Christmas, and what they do. For many of them, it is just another day. Another day to wonder if they will eat. Another day to walk for miles for water. Another day to get up early and go to the market with their mom or dad to try to bring in some money. Giving through the Christmas Gift Catalog provides an opportunity for the churches we partner with in South America, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, and Africa to personally hand these gifts to a child in poverty, to meet their need, and to tell them Jesus loves them."

Oh, friends, won't you help? Won't you reach out to these little ones, help make this Christmas a different one for them?

Won't you show compassion?