
Backstory
There was a time when I was overwhelmed with responsibility. The stress was showing – and fellow Rotarians stepped in and provided help that made a difference and kept me sane. It taught me several things. I’d like to share them with you today.
Click to listen or follow below to read.
Giving and Getting Help – #263
There are times in life when we are called on to do things that are difficult. They seem to come in threes, these times of challenge. And when they occur, they seem to define us wholly.
Instead of being a multi-faceted human being, we start to think that we are nothing more than the care giver, the mother figure, the easily disposable employee.
So many people are struggling today. It is very possible that you may be called on to give help, jump in, provide a safety net or a soft place to land. It’s also possible that you become the one who needs help.
When suddenly called on to take a difficult new role, it’s important to keep your perspective. You are the same person as before the challenge occurred. You may feel overwhelmed at the beginning. But you can figure things out. You always have.
It’s said that God never calls on us to do more than we can. Pray for strength if that’s where you get spiritual courage.
Be willing to ask for help yourself if it gets to be too much. Look around and you may find willing, loving helpers in places you would not imagine. Speak out and let the help come forward.
You CAN make it through these times. Easy? No. Doable? Yes.
God bless you.
P.S.
A friend told a story about noticing that the lady at the muffin stand, where she stopped each morning for years, did not look or sound good that day. She took time off from work to get the vendor to a doctor – and saved her life. Who knew that a customer would go to those lengths of caring? Selfless help is all around but people must KNOW there is a need. Be willing to step up when you feel that things are not right. Be willing to ask for help when you need it. Test human kindness. You may be delighted with what you discover.
[Show #263]
This was a good one. One never knows what is happening to the person who seems withdrawn or unable to engage with others socially until a simple gesture like a smile and a “hello” goes into a conversation that eventually reveals the difficulties that person may be experiencing. This happened to me recently when I was out walking my dog and stopped to speak with a neighbor. She seemed so organized and active when, in conversation, she revealed to me similar difficulties she was going through with her spouse who is showing the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. She felt so alone and trapped by her circumstances until we shared our common experiences.
Perfect example of the gift we can give easily and importantly, just by reaching out, Toni. You are so good at that.