Asking For Help

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

I got a text early one morning. “I hate to ask, but I have an appointment. Would you mind watching June for me while I go?”

I sat for a moment, thinking about all I had planned for the day. I would love to tell you that I am instinctively a generous and kind person, but the truth is, I’m not always. I’m not someone who cares to switch plans, especially on short notice.

I sighed as I thought about my friend, someone who is new to the country and has no family here. What would I hope someone would do for me if I were in her shoes?

I quickly texted her back. “Of course, I would love to. I do have some errands to run this morning, but she’s welcome to come with me.”

A little while later, my friend dropped June off with a bag of books and a smile.

“I’m so excited to be at your house today!” June said as she skipped through the front door.

I smiled. “I am so glad too. Keep your shoes on, though. We’re going to run some errands.”

As we waved goodbye to her mom and got in my vehicle, June began to tell me all about her mornings spent at school and what she liked to do in the afternoons. We had a lovely morning together, and I found myself grateful for her cheery little voice engaging me in conversation as we went from store to store.

A few hours later, when my friend came to pick up June, she once again thanked me.

I hugged her as she prepared to leave.

“Anytime,” I said, “that’s what friends are for.”

Asking for help isn’t always easy to do and neither is offering, especially when we have to change our own plans to accommodate someone else. But when we remember that Scripture tells us to do to others as we would like them to do to us, it can help us to be willing—both to help and to be helped. Putting ourselves in another person’s shoes and having empathy for them is a skill we want to develop as followers of Jesus.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God for the times others have stepped in to offer help to you, and then look for someone who may need assistance and offer it to them.