May I Help You?

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Yesterday, I went grocery shopping while Len was in therapy. I typically wait till Len or one of our boys can accompany me. Their six-foot stature sure helps when I need something on the top shelf. Alas, I was alone this time and – of course – I needed an item that was way out of my reach.

I spotted a man doing his own shopping and stopped him. “Could you get that for me?” I said, pointing to the item I needed. His face broke into a big smile as he retrieved the item then handed it to me.

“Thank you for asking,” he said, his face bright with joy. “You’ve just made my day.”

“Why?” I asked, perplexed.

“Because I helped someone today.”

Though it was a small thing, we both went away blessed – one to minister, the other to be ministered unto.

At times, asking for help goes against the grain. We want to be self-sufficient and fool ourselves into that I-can-do-it-all-myself mentality, even though, in reality, we are struggling. There comes a time when we need to lay aside our foolish pride and independent spirit and open the door for others to do unto us.

Declining help offered in a spirit of kindness or compassion might deprive someone of the blessing found in Christ-like service. By accepting help—even something as small as requesting assistance with an item out of reach—we provide an opportunity for others to know that they are needed and that what they have to offer truly matters.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see those opportunities when I can minister by doing unto others, as well as those occasions when I can minister by accepting their help, thus affirming that what they have to offer is of value. In your name I pray, Amen.

“One of the deepest longings a person can have is to feel needed and essential.” – Mr. Rogers