The Help's Helped

Yesterday, while on my lunch break, I was approached by a stranger to help look up some information... an assumption he made by my playing on my phone. He politely interrupted and ask if I could help him figure out how to get where he needed to go.

He offered to compensate me for my time and trouble and of course, I told him not to worry about it.

Of course, in my mind, I was thinking: "You rode here on a bicycle. You're asking me to look up information regarding public transportation, so can get to your desired destination, some 15-20 miles away. Meanwhile, in a few hours, I'll be leaving work and getting into the much more comfortable drivers' seat of my personal vehicle and headed home in search of more comfortable clothes to wear. There's no way you're giving me a couple of bucks for this favor!"

Of course, it was a small thing and perhaps "nothing" to think about, but what was the alternative? Saying No?

There's a scene from my oft-referenced show, where the youngest daughter was abducted and lived to tell her story. In trying to explain the experience, she stumbled to share about the help she has received in the aftermath. So it sounds like this... "the help is... you know, helping". To this, the person she is talking to quips in reply; "The help's helped".

Great! That what's it's supposed to do. It's what we need it to do. It's what we want it to do. Otherwise, what is the point?

Plus, consider this...

It would have removed the opportunity for me to hear the words "God bless you" as you prepared to leave.
It would have removed the opportunity for me to shake his hand, look at him with sincerity and offer the same sentiment.

How fitting, it times in with our conversation at the beginning of the week, of being a good neighbor. What do we miss because it happens to cost very little in terms of our time, treasure and talent? The help may in fact be simple, easy and not much of a sacrifice. However, that's not to say their won't be occasion where the help with complex, hard and costly. But it doesn't mean we should say No. For who knows the opportunities and the blessing that will result, elsewhere in our lives.

As a church, may we not dismiss the opportunity to be the help someone needs; regardless of how dire and difficult their situation may exist. It may be a major undertaking or a minor inconvenience to us, but it's meaningful and important to them.

Pray this #communitySaturday, that would not miss or overlook the opportunity to be "the help" that someone has need of in their life. May we not be concerned with the cost or inconvenience, but recognize the time to be a witness of the grace and love of God. Pray for strength and understanding, to accomplish and fulfill what they have need of, as much as within our power and ability. May such opportunities pave the way for conversations and revelation of the care and concern God has for our lives; that He loves us and has plans and purposes whereby He would be glorified.

May we be helpful help,
To those who ask;
To those in need;
To those in trouble.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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