Compassion: Food for thought, Part 1 Published Dec. 8, 2008 By Chaplain, Lt. Col. Randall Kitchens Peterson Air Force Base Chapel PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- There are many ways to describe compassion. One of the definitions states "Sympathy for others often with a desire to help." This month offers the opportunity to show compassion as the holiday season tends to brings out the best in people. You may be showing compassion without realizing it. Think about some of the points listed and ask yourself if any are familiar: Helping others in need - If you see a lost child, compassion prompts you to help them find their home - If you see a lost dog, compassion prompts you to help them find their owner - If you see someone stranded on the side of a road with a flat tire, compassion prompts you to help them change the tire. It can be as simple as offering your cell phone so they may call a roadside service. How can you demonstrate compassion this week? - Help a friend - Help a stranger - Volunteer with a helping organization/group - Give a gift to the Angel Tree - Contribute to a charitable organization The great thing about compassion is that it can be practiced anytime, anywhere and by anyone. "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." - Dalai Lama