It’s hard to not grow frustrated or cynical in our city at the moment. The homeless crisis is at an all time high. The causes for that are complex and extensive. The crime has increased exponentially and we experienced it first hand with our catalytic converter being cut off our truck. The garbage all around our neighborhoods are out of control and it seems like our city leadership is doing nothing to find a solution.
How do I remain compassionate?
One of the ways we do that as a family is to meet a need in a very small way. We put together homeless care kits with our small group from church that we hand out either from our car as we’re driving around or we go hand them out while engaging in conversation.
Here’s a guide to creating your own homeless care kit from one our favorite organizations in the city
Right now, more than meeting a need that a homeless person has, it’s seems as if these care kits are meeting a need in me. That sounds selfish, and maybe it is, but I have compassion fatigue. This simple act on my part helps me to pause, look someone in the eye and see their humanity. To look into someone else’s struggle and acknowledge they too are created in the image of God is crucial for me. It helps me see them, the real, hurting person, and not just the frustrating parts that are so obvious around every corner.
What about you? How are you cultivating compassion in your life? What keeps you from being cynical, numb or choosing to look the other way? What small act of kindness keeps you connecting to others or meeting a small need? I’m always looking for new ideas.
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