Everyone Needs a Little Help Sometimes

Being with my Austin family for several days (and going back on Saturday), I watched everyone pitch in to get a job done around their home. Mama sent boys one way. The dad took over the areas of his expertise and mama put her organization skills to work. And I even played my part. We were a team, on purpose. At the end of the day, we accomplished the tasks at hand. We were all reaching out and in with “helping hands”. Maybe you’re on a team at your place of business, which might be right at your computer at home on Zoom calls. Some of us might be on a team at our church or in a Bible study group where we come together to encourage and pray for each other. YOUR team might be your own family where you share responsibilities and live life together. Being ready with “helping hands (and hearts)” can lift the load emotionally and physically for many in need. I’ll admit I was inspired for this blog by a photo I saw in my “FB Memories” from six years ago. A sweet friend captured this photo. She called it "Helping Hands". I love it! When I first saw this photo, I just saw ME, then my friend pointed out the "helping hands" that helped me cross over to the other side! This photo was taken at Allaso Ranch in Hawkins, TX where a large group of us came together for a “reboot” retreat at the first of the year. We were divided into teams of about 8-10 members each, and this challenge was crossing from one of three platforms until all members were across. The platforms were further apart than the two longest planks we were given. First, we had to determine how to accomplish such a task. Brainstorming was key. One of the bright players gave his concept and sure enough it was the right plan, however, it was easier said than done. Our team was made up of small, medium, and large members, and there always had to be two players on the middle platform to hold the plank with his/her feet. You couldn't jump to the platform and you couldn't let the planks touch the ground. To conquer the task, every player had to get across successfully. And successful, we were because of teamwork and "helping hands". I believe I saw this photo now because it’s a reminder that we are here for each other. Who doesn’t need some “helping hands” sometime? After all, no one is meant to go through life alone. It's important we share our blessings with others. For some it might be volunteering with a local charity or donating to a good cause. For others, sharing blessings might be as simple as having a conversation with someone or lending emotional support to a friend who is going through a tough time. Bringing God’s love through “helping hands” might be the difference-maker in someone’s life. It may not always be easy, but as people of faith, God calls us to serve others and bring His light to them. In many ways, the act of being a “helping hand” is a reward in itself — but God needs our hands to work through. He rewards our efforts to share his blessings when we become “His hands extended” with our helping hands. "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10