Earlier this week, I read a quote I thought worth sharing. The gist of the quote encouraged you to go the extra mile and to help others because your help just might be the miracle they have been praying for.
That thought was so neat to me! How often do we shy away from helping another because we think they can handle things themselves. We might ponder helping them for a moment, but then quickly decide not to inconvenience ourselves.
And what about being too much help? We don’t need to jump into every situation, do we? Where do we draw the line and determine who we should help and who needs to help themselves? This is always a delicate balance and there is no absolute answer, but perhaps there are some guidelines that we can formulate to get a better idea!
Helping Others
There are many types of people in life, but today we will focus on two specific types – those who eagerly go out of their way to help others and those who seem to live in constant need of help.
I am sure you can think of people in each category. I’m curious – in which category would you place yourself?
Helping others is an essential part of life. We must look outside of our busy lives and look for ways to be a blessing to others. Admittedly, some are easier to help than others but it is up to us to pay attention to how we can lend a hand.
Others in life can seem quite needy. They are constantly requesting help, talking about how others should help them, and borderline complaining that they haven’t received enough help. This type of person is most likely not going to value help like the first.
Valuing Help
It is vital to place a generous value on help whether you are giving it or receiving it. You want to help in such a way as is worthy of being valued and you want to be sure to appreciate and value help that is given to you.
It is also important to consider who you are helping. For instance, a child will value help with the simple task of cleaning up toys far more than an adult is likely to. Having help cleaning up toys usually means everything to a toddler, but an adult will likely value help with housework more highly.
When we set out to help someone, we must be kind in our efforts. To give help with a disgruntled attitude is of little to no value. But to give our assistance generously and unselfishly is the nicest, most valuable way we could help.
Helping someone is just like giving a gift, but instead of giving them an item we are giving of our time and effort. Just like in giving a good gift, we must make sure that the help will delight and bless another. We don’t want to give inappropriately and trip ourselves or the receiver up.
Remember to maintain your high value on giving and receiving help especially as it relates to your family. Many times it is too easy to disregard helping our family in pursuit of helping outsiders. But truly, our family is of far higher importance and we should consider them our highest priority.
Bless One Another
Just as important as it is to go out of your way to help others, it is equally important to let another help you. Don’t allow them to be a slave to you, obviously, but accept help and assistance from others. Sometimes the simple gift of receiving their help will propel them further in life. Personally, I feel valuable when I am able to help another.
This is why Mother’s train their children to help. Not because a toddler makes you faster and get more done, but because they need to learn this skill in order to succeed in life.
Keep this in mind as you go about your week. Be observant to ways you can help others, and be sure to appreciate the ways others help you. And remember, your helping another just might be the miracle for which they have been praying! If that isn’t inspiration enough to help others, I don’t know what is!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Remember to share your thoughts on the matter with me! Send me an email at hope@theamericanlady.com or comment below.