Rex's Ramblings - Walk a mile in another's shoes

One of the great mysteries of all time is the civility of people during the month of December. It almost seems that everyone really thinks Santa does keep a list, or that if not Santa, one titled the Prince of Peace surely does. Whatever the reason, there’s an obvious lessening of tensions amongst those with grudges to lay them aside if for only a bit.

Hence, the question: Why for one month of the year do people of “good will” appear to urge their fellow humans to follow their best instincts and reach out to those they often ignore the rest of the year? Everyone probably has an answer that satisfies them personally, but this time of year is very good at calling to our attention some of those lessons that were impressed on us as children.

Most of us are familiar with the good Samaritan of scripture who stopped to render aid to an injured victim of a despised culture and background in a place of personal danger and inconvenience. The lack of concern of this good man for his own safety to care for one who had no claim on his duty or responsibility to do so was a demonstration of the highest human virtue – compassion.

It seems that this time of year calls us guys to appreciate what Fred or Joe or Bob are feeling about this or that or the other thing, and gals to realize what Dorothy or Ruth or Mary might be facing because of those same three things. We nod our heads sagely when we’re advised to “walk a mile in another’s shoes” before we become judgmental. That’s not compassion. Compassion is when the heart aches for someone so acutely that action ensues, and we stop on our road of life to render aid to someone wounded by undeserved circumstances of life. Maybe we can make a short stop this year.