“The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticize. It takes a true believer to be compassionate. No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands.”
— Arthur H. Stainback

When we think of being compassionate, it often relates to people that we already care about or situations we can understand through personal experience. Perhaps we also can extend compassion for those we see suffering in ways we have never known personally, but we feel they don’t deserve it.

But what about compassion for those we don’t like. Or for things we think are inherently “bad”? Do they not deserve compassion as well? If we hear a little voice saying things like, “They deserved it anyway”; Or “She wasn’t a nice person, so she brought it on herself”; take a step back and see if you can find a new angle on the situation.

Compassion comes also from finding value in things that we may judge or criticize as bad and accepting them for that newly found value. There is something good in all people and all things. That is part of the balance of the universe. Compassion does not mean condoning “bad” things. It means accepting and understanding that there is good in there as well.

“I just try to matter.”
— June Carter

Would it change your day if upon waking you asked, “How can I matter today?” Then what if everything you did that day, provided an answer to your question? I watched the Oscars once, and Reese Witherspoon related her life to June Carter’s, stating she just wants to matter, she just wants to make a difference in the world.

How can we make a difference? How can we matter? For me, it’s being a good mother, spending more time with my kids while they need me. It’s being a good friend, sending a prayer to comfort them through their trying moments. It’s learning to be a good wife and showing my husband how much I do love him even when I am too busy. It’s being a good business woman and having the courage to take risks to take my company to new heights.

And what about all the little things we can do for others? Like simply showing understanding and compassion. Like not judging their lives when we will never fully know their full story. Like being a friend and just listening.

It is the seemingly little things that we do with love and compassion that matter and that will make a difference in the world. Make your mark in life and “try to matter” everyday.