Consider the obstacles . . . .

Why is it that we find it all too easy to immediately come to conclusions about another person before we understand their story? Everyone has a story, and until we are compassionate enough to take a moment to listen, to understand their obstacles, and to empathize, how can we ever appreciate what that person has had to overcome? We've all faced struggles that have shaped us into the person that we are today. We've learned lessons in ways that we would not choose. If we would just allow ourselves a moment of compassion, we can empathize in a way that will soften our hearts. We may even learn a lesson or two that will help US grow. Listen.....we are all human beings, and we are all seeking the same thing in life. We need food, shelter, and love, right? We crave attention, and recognition, and affection, and above all, happiness. So stop judging for one second, and remind yourself of these simple rules......Just like you, this person is seeking happiness in his/her life. Just like you, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life. Just like you, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair. Just like you, this person is seeking to fill his/her needs. And just like you, this person is learning about life. 

"Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too."

-Frederick Buechner