My story is one filled with pain and loneliness of not having anyone to be present with me. The pain of a life full of emptiness. This deficit has left a longing in my heart for the presence of God and others. Compassion has filled the room, and I am also willing and able to be presence with myself.
Compassion, unlike pity, shame, or judgement, transforms the pain into comfort and peace by its tender invitation to draw near.
A life paradox- that by turning in to embrace the suffering, instead of trying to avoid it or make it go away, one moves towards a peace that passes all understanding.