Be Compassionate
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another;
be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and
humble." - 1 Peter 3:8
Patrick Bouvier Kennedy was born prematurely on August 7,
1963. His father, President John F. Kennedy, knew his second
son's chances of survival were slim. Young Patrick had a
lung ailment and he was rushed by ambulance to Children's
Medical Center in Boston. The President visited the hospital
four times a day worrying about his wife Jackie while being
concerned about the baby as well.
On the night of August 8, Kennedy decided to sleep at the hospital to be near the baby. Around two o'clock in the morning, the President was awaken and told that Patrick's condition was taking a bad turn. As the President was waiting for the elevator, he saw a baby boy in a room that was badly burned. He asked the night nurse how it happened, and how many times the mother came to see the baby. The nurse answered "everyday." He then asked for her name and while his own son was down stairs dying, the President stopped to write a note to the lady telling her not to give up faith, and to keep up her courage.
Then for the next two hours, the President kept a lonely
vigil over his son until he died and then Kennedy wept.
If a mere man-even a president-can show love and concern to
an unknown child while his own son was dying, how much more
will our infinite Father in heaven take concern in us. Today
in prayer, thank God that He loves you and His compassion is
infinite towards you.
"Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back
and soften and purify the heart." - Washington Irving
God's Word: "As you know, we consider blessed those who have
persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have
seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full
of compassion and mercy." - James 5:11
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail
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