What precious words!
Lately I've had the gift of that question offered to me by several friends.
I was talking about some discouragement . . . okay, I'll be honest, more of a feeling of hopelessness about some things that matter deeply to me.
Several friends, via email, phone, or in person, listened, cared, and said those precious words. How can I help?
Today, when someone across from us is angry, hurt, hopeless, or weary, let's offer a shoulder, a hand, a hug. And before giving suggestions, let's first meet their eyes and ask, "How can I help?"
Sometimes a person is too lost in the dark valley to KNOW what to ask for, or what they need. They may not be able to answer that question. Then we can get creative and offer a few ideas.
Sixteen years ago, I was seriously ill for several months. I was so sick that when people asked how they could help, I was too muddle-headed to think of an answer. So friends came up with their own ideas and shared love in a zillion ways.
One of the most unique was a woman from church that I didn't know too well at the time. She called up and said, "Can I please come over and clean your bathroom for you? I'm good at cleaning, and I want to help, and that's something I could do for you."
What a wonderful, specific, humble, beautiful offer!
I still remember how great it felt, after so many weeks of not being able to keep up on housework, to have a sparkling clean bathroom.
Has anyone asked you this wonderful question lately?
And have you had an opportunity to ask it of anyone?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered in my next drawing for a Penny's Project notebook (beautifully hand-crafted by a friend of mine...another of those women who ask, "How can I help?".)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
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6 comments:
Hi Sharon. I would have to say recently I've worn both shoes: being asked and asking.
A couple people from our Outreach Board at church who know what we've been thru the last couple years (separation under terrible conditions, basement flooding & ruining 1/2 house, cat w/ bladder infection ruining the other half, etc). They asked what they could do because they wanted to make sure my house was more livable this winter!
On the other side, a gal I work with has struggled with her marriage and dad having cancer. I've offered to pray for her and I asked her to come over to dinner. Some days she doesn't open herself up easily and I just let her know that I'm available if she wants to talk. If I can share the love of Jesus with her in simple ways or in how I'm trying to live my life by being honest, even when it's hard, then it's all worth it!
Blessings,
Mimi B
I'm an awful cleaner, but I enjoy taking meals to people who need them (or their family if they don't feel up to eating).
I've also had those people care for me. It really does mean the world!
Mimi, I LOVE hearing about folks from church reaching out to meet your practical needs. And how wonderful to invite someone over who just needs a place of love.
What a cool circle of grace... your church has helped you with fixing up your home...then you OFFER your home in service to someone else. :-)
Vader's Mom - I'm SO GLAD God has given some of us the gift to make meals to share. It's a wonderful thing to give (and something I'm SOOO not good at... but I do it sometimes anyway).
Which raises the point that even when we aren't very good at something, we still might want to give what we can. Mac and cheese with lots of love could warm a heart more than a gourmet dinner. :-)
a friends husband had surgery on Wed. so when she called to tell me he was going to, I asked when I could keep her kids. they happen to be here right now! one has severe food allergies, so I am always a little nervous about keeping them, but she makes it easy for me by bringing their meals. I guess by keeping them I'm blessing her, but by bringing their food she's blessing me :)
Stampedwithgrace -
thanks for sharing that!
I think one of the things that sometimes holds us back from offering a kindness is our fear that we'll make a mistake.(In your case, the very understandable nervousness about the child with food allergies).
A scrapbooking friend used to tell me "done is better than perfect" and I think that's a great motto for kindnesses, too!
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