Compassion must include humility for it not to be condescending and pretentious. Hod is recognizing that my ability to be compassionate and giving does not make me better than the recipient; it is the acknowledgement and appreciation that by creating one who needs compassion G‑d gave me the gift of being able to bestow compassion. Thus there is no place for haughtiness in compassion. Do I feel superior because I am compassionate? Do I look down at those that need my compassion? Am I humble and thankful to G‑d for giving me the ability to have compassion for others?
Exercise for the day: Express compassion in an anonymous fashion, not taking any personal credit.
My husband married another woman and abandoned myself and my son. He spent 8 years in court solely to get out of child support; successful so far. Yesterday he testified that his other inlaws had mortgage their home to pay for his cases. I withdrew my contention of support.
I feel every day of the Omer I experience the next days lesson the day it starts. It was not fair that his greed should affect them so that they risk their home. In that moment I felt I could honor Ha--em and rectify my own blemishes by humbling myself. For my own suffering is not more important than theirs. G-d has always provided and his face shines upon me and my child.
That takes real courage, good for you! I’m sure that will bring many great blessings to you and your family