Some years ago, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote these powerful words. Listen…

"How do you measure success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics 
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; 
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better 
whether by a healthy child,
a redeemed social condition,
or a job well done; 
To know that even one life has 
breathed because you lived… 
that is to have succeeded."

I like that very much. It's a beautiful statement… but, somehow I want to add one more ingredient to the mix, namely... compassion! The spirit of compassion… the touch of compassion.