Occasionally my brain thinks being an octopus would be just what I need. I know! I know! I’m just a crazy, senior citizen with weird ideas, but . . .
Stop and think. Have there been times when having more than a pair of hands would have saved the day? Remember the challenge of trying to carry the garden hose, twin boxes of potted petunias, a trio of rose bushes, and a spade, from your car to the backyard.
Or, maybe you remember last fall when it was time to clean out the gutters. An extra pair of hands would have avoided three trips up and down the ladder, as you manipulated the rake, hose, and large garbage bags upward, while simultaneously gripping the ladder for dear life. My heart rate could have switched from accelerated speed to normal with octopus extremities.
Recently, while eating breakfast with friends at a local restaurant, I suddenly observed a lady at a neighboring table get up and walk over to another lady eating alone. As my eyes stayed focused on this event, I suddenly blinked three times. Number one lady leaned over the plate of the seated woman, picked up the knife and fork and began to cut up the waffle on the plate. Further observation revealed that the right arm of the one eating was bound in a sling, leaving her short of necessary fingers to clutch both her fork and knife. The ‘angel,’ from nearby, observed the struggle and reached out to help.
Certainly, this was not a gigantic burden for the angel from the neighboring table, but she exhibited a caring attitude and helpful spirit. Matthew 22:37-38 shares the words of the Lord, as he defines one aspect of ‘love.’ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Certainly sitting and nibbling your own pancake or eggs would have been less stressful, but our good neighbor was willing to spare a moment and make someone else relax and smile for a moment.
As I finished my own breakfast and prepared to pay my bill, I made a short detour. Ever-so-quietly I thanked our Good Samaritan for her act of kindness.
Acts 9:36-43 tells us the wonderful story about Peter and his visit to Joppa where Tabitha (Dorcas) lived. She was a woman of good deeds, and always lending a helpful hand, especially to the poor. While Peter was near-by, however, she died. Her friends prepared her body for burial, but the disciples quickly sent two fellows to urge Peter to come at once.
Peter quickly returned with the two and found Tabitha in an upper room, surrounded by weeping, widowed friends. Sending everyone downstairs, Peter got on his knees and began to pray. He said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then the wonderful response. She sat up, opened her eyes, and he “took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.” Yes, the hand was used to help another, but it took cooperation between both parties to make it work.
Great and wonderful things can happen as we keep our eyes open to spot needs, and then get up off our ‘chair’ and reach out to help. But Peter added an element that day. He preceded offering his helping hand with a prayer to God. The prayer/command to sit up was then followed with the offer of his hand.
A willing heart and caring attitude, combined with prayer and the offer of a helping hand can so demonstrate God’s love for others. Join me, as together we seek those who so desperately need a helping hand.
Kathryn Ransom 