Aching for Compassion

I read a really good article titled "Aching for Compassion" in a Focus on the Family magazine the other day. It was all about chronic pain, and those of us who have to deal with it. It offered six tips that I thought were really important to share. They are tips for the people who care about and interact with those who do have chronic pain.

1. Listen with empathy. Accept what they say.
2. Speak with compassion. Affirm that the pain is real.
3. Pray together.
4. Do something. Offer to do something specific.
5. Accept limitations. Include them in activities, but understand if they need to bow out.
6. Laugh and celebrate. Celebrate your friend.

Good stuff. When life is going well, and you don't have to deal with this kind of stuff on a daily basis, you can forget about those who do. Good reminders :).