compassion

I have been reading Heartfelt Discipline by Clay Clarkson and have been so blessed by the gentle spirit expressed in this book. What a delight to discover a homeschooling dad who has shared from his heart the truly biblical approach to building lasting relationships with children, including his own journey away from punitive discipline and destructive attitudes that undermine a child's trust. This morning he quoted this passage of Scripture and I have meditated on it all day.

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but he laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest."

Lord, give me this same vision, one of tenderness and compassion, one of mercy and grace. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear those who are faint and scattered. Use me to bring them to the Good Shepherd.