Finding Compassion

After attending Al-anon for over a year, I had to admit that I did not have compassion for my son that was going through a very difficult time.  I just wanted him to STOP IT.

I shared this with another member who told me "Of course you have compassion, you love your son".  I do love my son, but that's not compassion....it's more and I didn't feel it.

Week after week as we read the steps/traditions/ideals and said " Have compassion on those...."   I didn't feel it.  I prayed about it time and time again.  

Then it happened.... I felt it.  I was so sorry for what my son was experiencing.  I was sorry I couldn't help him.  I was sorry that he lost his job, his home, his family.  I was sorry and CARED.  It was heart-changing for me.

He has taught me a lot during this difficult journey he is on.  My compassion is now extended to the greater family.... beyond my three children.  

Lord, Thank You for helping me to care about what others are going through.... especially my child.  

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.