I want to take a break from the book of Mormon conference notes to give an object lesson. I recently observed three people showing compassion and caring for another individual. And because of the second example, yesterday, I wanted to share it on my blog.
Hope this can be of interest to youth ministries, Sunday schools, family counselors, family home evenings.
Objects for lesson: a charged battery, some tinfoil, lint from a dryer mixed up with pieces of paper or dry grass. As I understand that Boy Scouts can start a fire by scraping a piece of tinfoil against the head of the batter and direct the sparks to kindling to start a fire. I know that the link from the clothes dryer is very combustible, so mix that up with pieces of paper should make a great recipient for the spark.
It only requires one spark to start the fire and blow gently and you can have a fire burning in a short period of time.
Several months ago at church, I saw an older brother, making funny faces and blowing into the face of his baby sister. He did so to entertain that younger sibling while they were sitting in church. I thought it was neat how this older brother was showing his lover by entertaining his sister. It was an act of compassion.
Yesterday at church a mother and teenage daughter performed a nice song. Both are very talented singers. They preformed an excellent song in church was a complex melody and a wide range of musical notes for both. At the beginning the teenage daughter had a couple of times she had to start over.
They both executed the song in a wonderful manner the very talented with a wide variety vocal ability.
Right after the song while the mother sat down the daughter continued walking down the isle and exited the church. I suspect that the reason she was embarrassed. She didn’t realize that the members of the congregation were appreciated the talent of both singers. It sounded very complicated with a variety of levels of singing and execution of the melody. But because the daughter had to start couple of times she was embarrassed.
As she walked out the side door I saw another sister race after. I did not see the conversation took place outside the church. But I have a good suspicion than older sister, sensing this teenager’s distress of making a mistake in public followed her to offer encouragement and a listening ear.
The third example I saw today. There was someone in the isles of the store who would motion for another shopper to proceed her in the crowded isle. A third lady watched the first lady’s courtesy called out to her how thoughtful she was. The Observer didn’t have to say anything, but she noticed the act of thoughtfulness and wanted to acknowledge it.
I wager the first lady appreciated the words.
These were three wonderful examples of compassion and charity.
My encouragement when you have an opportunity to see someone doing something well that we acknowledge it. Or we may often be the instigator of acts of compassion.

If you have suggestions on how to contribute to this topic, please do so in the comment section of this blog. Thanks.