We've all thought from time to time, "I just wish so and so would learn to be caring - or 'generous' or ‘accommodating' - to others, and be more compassionate like Miss Thompson."

As with Teddy, we somehow expect people in pain to figure it out and "get with the program." But it was not until Miss Thompson investigated the situation, that she understood the reasons for Teddy's behavior. Only then was she able to tap into the power of the true value of compassion, to change the life of this child.

And therein lies the rub. This is where we are presented with opportunities. Everyone can see that it's all about how "they" are behaving unskillfully. We tell ourselves that we have nothing to do with how horrible they are. They can't be changed. They will never get it. And yet, adults and children both are deeply affected and, yes, even changed by a simple act of compassion.

In my thirties I had remarried and was now raising three children in a new blended family. I was also working to create my writing and speaking career. I was stretched to the max. While I managed life peacefully most times, on one day in particular, timelines were crunched and everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. I was in a rush to get several heavy packages mailed at the post office. Just as I arrived, a woman stepped right in front of me and took my place in line. I let her know in no uncertain terms how rude she was to have been so thoughtless and inconsiderate.

With more warm compassion than I had ever experienced in my entire life, she said, "Please, please take my place. Let me help you hold something." I immediately began crying. I was so moved by her compassion for my plight in life that day that I started blubbering about how hard my day had been. She listened and nodded with that knowing, soft-hearted look. The tears poured from me like Niagara Falls! I had no idea how distressed I was until that moment. I'd had zero compassion for myself until I received it from this most kind and generous woman. She continued to help me carry my packages until I was waited on and I will never forget her. She certainly made a difference in my life that day.

Most of us soak up compassion like a sponge when it's given to us. For me, compassion is what changes my reactions at a later time, when I'm at the fork in the road, choosing compassion or judgment.

The power of her compassion made a difference in my life for just one brief moment in time and yet the memory of it often pops in my mind when I notice people rushing about, frantic or angry at meeting life's demands. What a gift it is to let people go ahead, push in front of us if need be, and to know that maybe, in some small way, we brought some ease to their day and that this simple act was of help to them.

It's the moment that makes the difference. Its not flag-waving, march on, over-efforting that changes things. It's the moment when something done out of compassion is remembered for all time. It's fleeting. It's there, and then it's not. And the only time you remember it is when you need it.

Section 3: pg 61
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