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Why is compassion important?
Let’s discuss.
Children live in their own little worlds.
But, then again, so do we, right?
We try to put the blinders on ourselves and view life from our narrowed vision. We try to protect our kids from certain things.
At times, however, that may not be best for us or our children.
If we stay in our bubbles and make sure our kids are safely in their bubbles, how can we be aware of the need around us? The needs of others.
So, why is compassion important, really?
Ultimately, compassion is important, because God says it’s important…toward others, as well as God’s example toward us.
Possibly one of the most well known narratives about compassion is found in the Bible. It is that of the Good Samaritan.
Do our compassionate acts need to be as brave or as costly as what the Good Samaritan did? Maybe yes, maybe no…depending on where God leads.
In our lives, both yours and mine, compassion can be as everyday as helping a neighbor jump start their car…or as big as traveling to a different country to help build houses for those lacking adequate shelter.
And not just because we “should.” Compassion isn’t just about being nice…about acts of kindness. It’s about suffering with those who suffer…really caring about the other person and our hurting world…not just checking a box.
There are so many needs around us, and God can use us to meet those needs, compassionately, especially if our eyes and hearts are open to His leading.
One way we can help tune our children’s hearts toward being compassionate is through reading…both the Bible and great books.
I’m beyond thrilled to be partnering with Sonlight Curriculum for the 2018-2019 school year as a Sonlight Ambassador. After using Sonlight from the beginning of our children’s formal education (6 years & counting!) and loving it, Sonlight has provided me with HBL E, Science E, LA E (including optional supplements & handwriting), and an art elective, for our school year. I look forward to sharing with you as we learn throughout the year. All opinions are 100% my own.
5 Books That Teach Compassion
Sonlight takes their book choices seriously. Not only do they find outstanding books, Sonlight also has several other criteria for a book to make it into the curriculum.
Here are 5 books that teach compassion, from HBL E.
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
A young Chinese girl moves from her homeland to the United States, with her parents. She doesn’t know her new country’s language, its customs, and America’s melting pot is as foreign as foreign can be. As we read In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, we come to understand her fears, challenges, and the desire for acceptance and community. We learn to keep our eyes open to, and help our children be aware of, those around us in the same situation. How can we help? Could we befriend someone who’s new in town?
Across Five Aprils
Set during the U.S. Civil War, in Across Five Aprils, you will learn about the Creighton family. They are pulled in many directions…North, South, coming of age, loss, and much, much more. We learn about hard work, the emotions and perils of war, and the joys and struggles of parenthood. May we be willing to open our hearts to others and learn about their needs before making our own conclusions.
The Winged Watchman
One of Older Daughter’s favorite books (so far) in HBL E, The Winged Watchman places you right in Nazi-occupied Holland. You probably know about many of the challenges during World War II. Deportations, curfews, rations, lack of basic necessities and freedoms, and worse. We have immense compassion for the people of Holland and everyone affected by the Nazi regime. What The Winged Watchman also teaches us, somewhat unexpectedly, is to have godly compassion for those that perpetrated the war. Consider this. (I had honestly never pondered this before.) The young protagonist has a conversation with his priest about why God wasn’t bringing the war to an end in short order. The priest responds by asking the boy if he thinks God might be tarrying, in order to provide time for the Nazis to quit what they’re doing and repent. I gotta tell you, this thought gave me major pause.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Set in the post-Civil War South, this book is an emotional read. When reading aloud to my kids, I try to put some inflection in my voice based on the characters. The ongoing struggles detailed in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, based solely on melanin, are most definitely cause for compassion. Sometimes, I had to stop reading for a moment and explain. Why is this character speaking this way? Why is this character acting this way? It is difficult, and it is necessary. I am grateful for the questions and conversations and sensitivity that this book brings to the surface.
Miracles on Maple Hill
Miracles on Maple Hill touches on the topic of what is known in modern times as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The story is told from the point of view of a young daughter, whose father has returned from war. He comes back different than he used to be, and the book delves into how the family works together to help each other in their new normal. This is another book that drives us to consider what those around us have been through (or are going through) and how and when we can show compassion.
Teaching Compassion to Your Kids
One of the ways our family cultivates compassion is through Sonlight books. But, whether through books, real life experiences, or other means, teaching compassion to our kids is imperative.
It is others focused, it builds relationships, and it molds godly character…all things we should be striving for.
Are you with me???
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