Do For Others

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior:

Ask yourself what you want people to do for you;

then grab the initiative and do it for them!"

Luke 6:31 (MSG)

How often we've read these words.

Heard them.

Maybe even memorized them.

But do we follow them? 

Last Friday we spent the day with my husband's brother, recently moved to a nursing facility due to dementia and impaired mobility.  Jim no longer can feed himself, maybe small bites with his fingers, but using utensils has becoming difficult.

Friday was his birthday, and as we sat in the cafe that is a part of his facility, two stunning young women entered.  They were coming to wish Jim a happy birthday and bring a card.  We had just begun eating our lunch.

Attribution

Each of them pulled up a chair, one on each side of Jim, and without a thought began helping him eat.  These young women had worked with Jim in a community organization where he had been there supervisor.  Suddenly, Jim has changed, but their eyes overlooked those changes. 

Their young and beautifully manicured hands extended, cutting his food and then feeding him, lifting a cup to his lips, wiping food from his chin or shirt.  They didn't bat an eyelash at what they were doing.

Tears burned my eyes as I realized how present God was with us.  Suddenly, the sadness of my brother-in-law's condition was changed to grace at the hands of others.

An image has been burned into my memory of these extraordinary moments I witnessed.  I will never forget their kindness and compassion.

I only hope to be as willing to reach out my hands as they were. 

What about you?

Linking up with Jennifer today at:
 

And visiting Joan at Grace Cafe 

  

Asking for Help Isn't Easy

The last few weeks have been humbling.  Asking for help doesn't come easy to me.  Cast in the role of daughter, sister, wife and mom, it seems that ordinarily I am the one offering help to others.  It is almost as if it is genetically built into women by some unheard command.

Now, counting off the days until my limitations are lifted, I'm not happy having to ask for things to be picked up for me, or put up high for me.  Even worse is having to have someone pull on your socks and tie your shoes.

The other day we were shopping in Walmart when I realized that my right shoe was slipping up and down on my heel.  I looked down and there it was -- a loose shoe string about to become a wiggly mass resembling nothing close to bow on my foot!

Only one solution existed -- ask my husband to tie my shoe!  While he's doing me a favor, a young clerk walks by and laughs.  I quickly said, "I wouldn't ask him to do that except I can't bend down."

My husband was quick to point out to me I had no reason to feel an explanation was necessary.  I knew immediately it was part of me that has never become comfortable in asking for and receiving help.

I suppose the beauty is found in that moment and these words much like a wake-up call.  A way of letting me know there's something I need to work on changing!  I doubt it will be an easy task, but I've committed to try.  There could be worse things I'd be nudged to do.

Q4U:  Are you comfortable asking for and accepting help?  Share with us, if you're willing, the  manner in which you handle doing this.