About a month ago, Parker and I were on our way out somewhere and before we left we walked to the community mailboxes in our complex to drop off some outgoing mail and pick up the mail from the day before. Along the way, I noticed a woman on a crutch, carrying some binders with her one free hand. Alongside her walked a little girl around Parker's age. I was carrying a few bags myself and trying to keep Parker from running away from me, but even now, I feel bad about not putting down my things and asking her if I could help. My burden could have been put down, but hers couldn't.
Nearly every day I think of her and how I failed to do the right thing.
This morning, I prayed specifically and asked God to give me the opportunity to help someone today and honor Him.
Later this morning, Parker and I were sitting and eating a snack outside our local library when a man in a wheelchair stopped nearby the library doors. I moved to get up and offer to help him with the very heavy (and non ADA compliant) doors, but hesitated. There was a rack of 10 cent books right where he stopped and it appeared as though he might be looking at them. I was afraid of looking like an idiot if he didn't even need help. I decided to wait and see if he would roll towards the doors and then I would get up and offer to help. He didn't move. About a minute later, a man walked up and started entering the doors and the man in the wheelchair asked if he would hold the door for him. He hadn't been looking at the books. He had been waiting patiently for someone to come by and help him. I had been less than 20 feet from him. I could have helped him. But I let fear of embarrassment take over. What's the worst that could have happened? He would have said, "no thanks?"
Lord, please forgive me. You answered my prayer, and I failed to fulfill it.
---------------------------
"Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, 'When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?' The king will answer, 'Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.'" - Matthew 25:37-40
"My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, you shouldn't just say, 'I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.' What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!" - James 2:14-17
ADVENTURES OF THE TOOSI's: A Family of Four Experiencing Love, Fun, and Lots of Laughter!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Visit My Writing Blog
It's Couch Time!
Check out books and movies Mamatoosi and others have been critiquing!
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing! That is an awesome post. I have been praying for the opportunity to bless someone every day. When it arises I usually second guess myself as well. I have decided that if I end up embarrassing myself or offending someone that it is just too bad. They do not know me and I know my heart is trying to obey God. Even Jesus offended people in His ministry every day. So I say to myself, "suck it up go for it". Don't worry about what others think or looking like an idiot, chances are you will never see that person again any way.
Post a Comment