Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
My hubby doesn’t very often complain or miss work because he’s sick, so when he stays home, I know he’s really feeling terrible and needs babying. I’ll tuck him under the covers with orange juice and medicine. He needs to hear me telling him how I know that he’s sick, and basically making a fuss. When I go back to check on him, I provide hot tea and set him up with the remote. Then, chicken soup with more orange juice is called for at lunchtime. He’s usually feeling like being up and moving for a little before heading back to bed to rest again. This is when the hacking takes place because he is sooo sick. Listen, he NEEDS to feel my compassion until every last drip of the nose is done!
I have the best intentions for making him feel all better, and I really want to take care of him. I want him to know how loved he is, but after several hours, I want to tell my hubby to put his big boy pants on! It’s awful. It’s sad. I’m horrible! I just get to a point where I need to kill those germs with the Lysol and I want to tell him not to breathe on me or anything else in the house for fear of contamination. How did that kind, loving, let-me-rub-your-back individual turn into a cold-hearted monster? My tolerance of whining needs to increase, that’s for sure. Not that I’m saying my hubby whines when he’s sick. He’s manly, strong, and a superhero…except sometimes when he’s sick. My boys just might be the same way.
My hubby may not like colds, but he really is my superhero. I fully admit that I have a hard time letting someone take care of me. However, I was on the receiving end of tireless compassion from my hubby this past year. I hated to not be getting stuff done and having to rest. My body needed a bit of a break though. I probably wasn’t the best patient, but he didn’t complain after one day, and he’s still my rock after supporting me for months. Hopefully, I’m wrapping this little challenge up because I’m sure he needs a break!
The character trait for today is Compassion-investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (definition from characterfirst.com).
The man I married taught me that there isn’t a limit to compassion. When it starts getting low, God can fill us right back up. Most mothers find it easy to have lots of compassion for their children, but it may not be so easy to show that same type of compassion for others.
Today, be compassionate to someone who is hurting, whether physically or emotionally. When you get drained from dealing with them, take a breather and rely on God to fill your compassion tank back up to full. Remember to not let it go completely empty because that’s when you get into trouble! Also, really appreciate that person that shows compassion to you.
