Yesterday…
…I spent the evening with Chris. He cycled home. Later he messaged me: ‘I found Lucy in a heap on the pavement… She was very upset, just split up with her partner and had sprained her ankle. She was on her way to the… hotel. I walked with her to reception so she could get checked in…
Help! I need somebody. Chris responded to Lucy’s need…
…I visited Jane. Her dad, Jimmy, turned up unexpectedly. Jimmy has dementia and lives with Jane’s Mum a few miles away. He said, ‘I’ve walked here…’ Jane sat Jimmy down, gave him a cup of coffee, rung her anxious Mum, assured her that Jimmy was OK, and drove him home.
Help! Not just anybody… Jimmy needed Jane’s help…
…I was sitting in the chair, chatting to my barber, Mark. A young mum walked in with her young son – George. George was lively, cheerful and expert at throwing his soft toys… Mark finished cutting my hair; as I was leaving George was climbing into the chair.
Help! You know I need someone… George needed help getting his haircut, Mum needed help keeping George still, Mark needed help cutting the hair of a moving target…
I was walking down the street. I watched as a couple carried a bed out of their front door onto the pavement. The man opened his car’s boot and lowered the rear seat. ‘Would you like a hand?’ I offered. ‘No thanks,’ they said. I walked on.
Help! That bed was too long and too wide to fit in the car!
Musing… I need to… have time and compassion for unexpected Lucy-help… be aware when the personal Jimmy-help is required… avoid George-help where I would be useless… keep walking with bed-shifting help’s refused…
I listen to the song again… It’s not about giving help; it’s about receiving help… I also need the wisdom and humility to ask for help from my friends, family, God and receive it gratefully and graciously…
malcolmsmusings.org 