What Are You Holding?

Two Pair

Well, Mr. Microwave went to the big appliance graveyard. He died this past Monday. He would come on but could no longer melt butter or pop popcorn. His microwave quality of life was gone. He was a very good friend for 12 years, but he finally got so sick I had to pull the plug. I had the replacement ceremony yesterday.

Brian, the installer, showed up at 4:15 to remove the old one and install the new one. Brian is a nice guy in his early 30’s. He is a journeyman electrician by training but prefers installing appliances as the work is steady and mostly inside rather than fighting the summer heat wiring up new houses. He was in a very good mood as his new baby was coming home from the hospital last night. He was anxious to get home to spend time with his family. I learned those few facts by just asking a couple of questions.

After he removed the old one and prepped the space for the new one, I saw him about to bend over and pick up the new one. I said “let me help you with that Brian.” He said “I should be able to get it, but I might need a hand lifting it up.” I snickered a little and said: “I’m sure you can do it by yourself Brian, but you don’t have to. Two pair of hands work better than one.”

There are many instances in all our lives, sometimes daily, where we could use a set of helping hands. Sometimes those are literally helping hands and other times helping hands appear in the form of a set of sympathetic ears, or set of arms to hug you. Helping is just the right thing to do. We all know when someone needs help as our spirit tells us. The challenge though is not everyone knows how to hear the small voice inside or sometimes question it. You know the times I mean. You see someone needing help carrying something and the voice tells you to offer to help, but you don’t. As they walk off, you hear it again: “you should’ve helped them.” There have been times I heard the voice and drove off anyway only to get down the block, hear the voice again, and turn around.

There will be opportunities to help someone today. There will also be opportunities for someone to help you. Give a little. Receive a little. Remember, giving and receiving help are just another form of blessings. Be that extra set of hands today.

Rodney - Here to Help