Naturally I strive to be the best person I can be. A lot of who I am today comes from my parents and the expected respect they intend I have. I believe compassion to be an act of benevolence that you don’t think about doing; you just do it. My father; who I admit sends me inspirational texts every morning, relays the general message, “You do the right thing because you’re a good person.” What does it mean to be a good person? A good person puts the needs of others before themselves. They anticipate making someone’s day every day.
I have a hard time saying personally that I am a compassionate person; it is not up to me to say whether or not people look at me that way. I can only attempt to accomplish compassion. The experience I had today is what brings me to write of compassion. Although the incident I incurred today was small it got me to thinking what it means to be compassionate.
In my small town I stopped at our local carwash to clean out my car only to notice that all the trashcans had been purposely opened, leaving the ground covered in trash. The owner of the business drove up to the carwash and put his palm to his forehead and commented toward the mess that had been made. I overheard him reacting to his situation and eventually we caught attention of each other. We briefly spoke about who he had expected made the mess and then he left to retrieve a broom from the closet to clean it up. Not knowing anything about the man I felt instantly obligated to help this man clean up the trash neither of us created. I went to the trunk of my car and retrieved a pair of gloves and began picking up after another. I didn’t even think twice about it. The man returned and assured me he could handle it and that it was, “enough work for him to do alone.” He seemed extremely grateful and his attitude towards me afterwards showed of compassion. Leaving on good terms I left him to amend his property.
Later on that night I was online and a friend wrote me randomly saying, “I just wanted to let you know you are a wonderful individual with a lot to offer this world. I know that was really random, but I meant to tell you earlier. I just never got the chance. Take care! And have a wonderful evening.” I was completely overwhelmed by this forum and shared it with my entire family. In return I thanked her, “I got this message and was very delighted to receive it. It truly made my entire night. I read it aloud astonished. I really appreciated it and I appreciate you for being a wonderful friend. Thank you, you made a difference in my life.” Compassion is all around you; you just have to have an open mind and look for the ‘best’ in others.
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