Who can I help today?

I have a friend who is what I call a "helper." She just can't "help" herself, pun intended. No matte if it is to her detriment or whether it will cause her extra work/effort and sometimes even put her schedule out of whack, she ALWAYS stops to help. Even if it's just to find someone else to help when she doesn't have the skills/expertise to lend a hand.

From the book "Sweet Tea for the Soul,"  in a devotional titled Life's Little Highlights.

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil. 2:4

A fond memory many of us have about going to the doctor's office as children is the time we spent in the waiting room, for it was there that we had the opportunity to peruse the "Find the Hidden Pictures" page in Highlights magazine, delighting in each discovery of obscure items like tiny pencils, paintbrushes, toothpicks and thumbtacks. How is it that we lose some of that skill as we grow into adulthood? Why do we sometimes miss signs of danger and clues that those around us are suffering? Because when we neglect to focus on anything but ourselves, we fail to notice the little details. And as they say, the devil is often in them.

FAITH CHECK: Remember the words of Sir Isaac Newton, who said of his own scientific discoveries, "If I have been able to see further, it was only because I stood on the shoulders of giants." For believers, to see beyond what is natural, we must stand upon the big shoulders of God and see things from His point of view.

"One sees great things from the valley, only small things from the peak." K.K. Chesterston.

It has always been important to  to my friend and even to me, even through all of life's difficulties, to look outward--to see others needs. Sometimes my friends say it gets me in trouble once in a while, but it is hard to walk by a person that has a need that I may be able to fulfill. 

And we are commanded by the scriptures to HELP.

Galations 6:2-

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him, as you have helped his people. 

I remember once a long time ago, I ran into a helper--someone who came along when I was stranded on the side of the road, in a big mud puddle, with a broken down car, trying to get to a wedding. This person stopped, asked what they could do and then picked me up and took me to the town where the wedding was held. Not only did they do that but because I got wet and muddy in my mishap, they first took me to a store to purchase new nylons (this WAS 100 years ago you know) and shoes. Then they took me to the wedding, and offered a ride home after. I did have other friends at the wedding who did give me a ride, but this complete stranger, HELPED. I offered to compensate with $$ but they just asked me to "pay it forward." So I have tried to do that.

In the world we live in today, sometimes we have to be smart about HOW and WHO we help, in order to be safe, but I always figure God knows what is going on and will make me aware of what I need to do. Of course I PRAY before I do anything. And then, I try to step out in faith and help. 

So, who can you help today?