One day, as I walked around Loyd's Lake, I started thinking that so often we tend to think that courage can only be found in harsh or big things--such as war, fighting fires, and maybe even skydiving. Courage is an attribute of an adventurer or a hero! right? My thoughts, however, were focused on our daily acts of courage.
The dictionary, or at least when I searched the word on Google, defines courage as: "the ability to do something that frightens one" or "strength in the face of pain or grief." I have come to the conclusion that, even under the definition, this includes all kinds of acts. This includes smiling at a stranger, performing a talent, cooking for someone, offering someone help, listening to someone, forgiving someone who has wronged you, and many more. Many of these things have something in common which led me to this--there is courage in compassion. To show compassion to someone that needs it, or someone that might not want it, or to a stranger, or to someone who has wronged us is a great act of courage. These acts of compassion may require us to do something that frightens us; it may require strength to show compassion to someone that has wronged us, or to overcome the fears that we might have regarding this act. Whatever the case may be, there is courage in compassion.
That being said, I know many courageously compassionate people. My grandma's are both excellent examples of courageous compassion--they are always looking to do good for others. My dad has lent a shoulder to cry on to his children, is quick to step in and help in many situations, and can diffuse the most uncomfortable situations. My mom spreads happiness wherever she goes, is always ready to listen, and is attune to the feelings of others (and acts accordingly). My sister, Kayli, has something nice and encouraging to say to everyone that she encounters. My sister, Tia, steps up in every situation to make sure that people are taken care of. My husband will step up and offer his services wherever he sees a need. His whole family is much the same and so they are great examples also. My friends will drop everything to go help another, speak up in the defense of others, etc. Overall, I am very much blessed to know so many courageously compassionate people--those listed and many others. They have swooped in and been heroes to me on many different occasions.
I am thankful for all who act compassionately, no matter how small and insignificant they may think the act. I am thankful for those that smile at me, those that say hi, for those that listen and give of their time, for those that let me sit by them without knowing who I am, for those that give of their talents in church or in other places, for those that speak up to defend those that are not present, and so many other things. I hope that I can have more courage and act more compassionately in my every day life with strangers and those close to me. I hope that I can be the hero someone needs as so many have been for me.
