I wish people would take more time to be compassionate and empathetic. Ego, selfishness, and concern for ourselves and for only those who believe what we believe are the rule of the day.

I grew up in a dysfunctional family and went through some really difficult times as a kid. What has helped me to grow is learning about the world outside my house?

Thirty years ago I traveled to France to take part in a three-week study abroad program. I took a loan out from the bank and my mom cosigned the loan for me. I was a teenager at the time and I paid every cent back to her.

When I went overseas, I quickly realized that my way wasn’t the only way. Parisians dressed, talked, and ate differently.

I learned and experienced a whole new culture. While I studied in Paris, the people I met there took me in, embraced me, and were even willing to speak English when my French failed me.

Decades have passed and much has changed with the world. But I imagine how horribly we are today to people not like us.

When we see someone who doesn’t speak English, we don’t make an effort to communicate with them in their language. We actively see other people as wrong and hurtful. We are all filled with our prejudices and lock ourselves within silos and are comfortable living there.

Go volunteer to feed breakfast to the homeless one day. Or take part in a community celebration that is based on a different tradition or religion that you are part of. Step out of your normal life and open up yourself to be compassionate and empathetic.

I have seen many people call themselves Christians, but they do not act like Christians. What I always admired about the stories of Jesus in the bible is that He embraced the downtrodden. He helped the poor and the sick. He championed those in need.

When I have stepped out of my shell and opened my mind, I’ve grown to be a better person. To have compassion and empathy do not make me weak.

Last year I volunteered at a homeless shelter a few days before Thanksgiving and helped serve food to people in need. The line for a hot plate of food stretched halfway down the block. I greeted people of all races and religions and helped them find a seat and a plate of food. When they spilled their coffee, I helped them clean it up.

And as I did so, so many people turned to me and asked for a paper towel. The organizer told me that I had to be careful because I would soon give out all the paper towels and have none left for the staff. Something as simple as a paper towel was treated like gold for the people I served that day.

To have compassion and empathy helps us see that we are all part of the same human race. I make mistakes, as do you. We are not perfect.

But our ability to be empathetic and compassionate is not endless. We need to remember our boundaries. If we do not take care of ourselves, how can we help another? The same is true with compassion and empathy. We need to be compassionate and empathetic to ourselves too.

I invite you to take a step out of your comfort zone and go explore your world. Can you volunteer at your church or at a homeless shelter? Can you attend a different religious service? Or go to a community event that celebrates a different culture than what you grew up in?

Love, be compassionate and have empathy.

The world so needs more of these things.