I made a terrible mistake while my daughter was in town visiting. We went to our local mall and entered through a back mall door that led straight to a pet store. Before we knew what hit us, there we were inside holding puppies. It doesn’t matter what kind of day or season you’ve had, if you hold a puppy it will be better.
Our time was limited but that didn’t seem to matter in the moment. All we could do was smile and embrace the warmth our hearts felt as they were filled with love for these adorable, furry creations.
The worker was notably sweet to give us ample time to meet several different breeds and talk all about the old girl I already had at home. I told her how we acquired her, her name, her breed, and even shared how amazing it is that she doesn’t shed throughout the house. I entertained the possibility that her patience may be motivated by a potential sale, but she seemed very genuine.
My daughter, granddaughters, and I finally decided to continue on with our shopping. As we did, we kept talking about leaving time to stop and bid our new friends farewell on our way out.
We re-entered the shop and we were surprised at the crowd within. We quickly realized that a group of special needs adults was there to get some puppy therapy of their own. Ooing and aahing filled the space now chaotic with love. I was already impressed by the employee in charge and increasingly more so, knowing that there was no chance of selling anything to anyone there.
My eyes welled with tears when I witnessed the unrestrained compassion this worker displayed. She was so patient, so kind, so tender with individuals our culture can all too easily pass on by. The cherry was placed atop the scene when one individual leaned in to hug her and she welcomed the embrace without hesitation. Her hard work was evident in her glistening brow and her character through sincere compassion for others.
God loves people this way and we can too.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul tells believers to clothe themselves with a few things, the first of which is compassion. He also tells them that they can do this because they are “holy and dearly loved.” (Col. 3:12)
His love is full of unbridled sweetness. It doesn’t consider some worthy while holding others at arm’s length. He doesn’t consider what you have to offer him before extending his arm. He is near and longs for us to draw close and receive his embrace full of care, tenderness, kindness, mercy, grace…compassion.
I don’t know about you, but even knowing all this doesn’t guarantee I will act on it. What keeps you from drawing close to God? Do you worry about your unworthiness? Do you consider what you have to offer our glorious God and deem it too little? His compassionate arms are open wide and ready to receive you and me right now. Would you take this opportunity to consider just how much God thinks of you and how that knowledge compels us to do likewise to others?