“Doing what is right isn’t the problem; it’s knowing what is right.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

“In every situation we can be certain that we are fulfilling God’s will even if our mind is filled with indecision and doubt. How? If our actions encourage compassion and forgiveness, God is guiding us.”

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” February 26
*As We Understand God

The aforementioned solid piece of advice applies equally to others as well as to myself.

This past Wednesday I was behind in completing my assignments for my “Spiritual Principles” class that evening and wanted to get some more done the hour or so before class was to start. However, I was tired after working all day and just didn’t have the enthusiasm. I really wanted to take a quick nap and get refreshed so I could be attentive and fully present when the two-hour-long class started. I vacillated as to how to spend the time between work ending and the class beginning: Should I rest or should I read some more of the text book?

Compassion came through from my heart. Spirit said, “Honey, take care of yourself. Your body is telling you it needs some rest, so honor that. You’ll catch up on the homework another time. It’s more important to grab those few winks of sleep and be present for the class, for your classmates.”

I followed the way of compassion—Spirit— setting my alarm for about 25 minutes, and then went beddy-bye. When I awoke, I felt rejuvenated.

I clearly recognized that this was a lesson for me. I’m grateful I heard the message from Spirit to have compassion for myself. In so doing, it opens my heart to more readily be compassionate with others.