Monday, March 28, 2011

Help Others

If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.

-- Exodus 23:5

Most people will be glad to help you do anything -- so long as you don't ask them. Most people will be glad to give to a worthy cause -- so long as it doesn't involve money, time or anything they value. Yeah, we're a giving people in our minds. We just rarely move into action.

One of the surest ways to see someone squirm is to ask them to do something for you. It's even more comical when it involves time, money or dirt. I was joking with someone recently about almost calling them to do something and it took all I could do not to burst out laughing. I wouldn't have called. I knew better. But to see another person -- a good Christian -- not even able to meet my eyes just in case that would signify willingness was just pathetic.

And I've been guilty too. I once had a neighbor take me up on an offer of "anything I can do" one time. So off I went to a local restaurant to purchase homemade chicken noodle soup. No Campbell's cans for her. I was not happy. And I hated myself for not being happy. Or at least okay with it. I didn't want to face what that said about me.

We're supposed to help people with a glad and willing heart. Even people we don't like. Maybe especially people who have wronged us. It makes sense. We could show people God's love by looking beyond the past and focusing on the here and now. We could show others God's kindness by helping people who, truthfully, wouldn't have helped us.

I'd like to think I'm truly willing to help others. I want to be. I want to give of my time, my attention and my money. I do. I just want to do it on my terms -- which doesn't always go along with what God wants. Ever tried to ignore that nudge? I wouldn't recommend it.

We should all strive to be the person we want to be. We should give, be helpful and graciously extend God's Presence to all those around us. Even when we'd rather say no. And, maybe, especially when we'd rather say no.