I’ve been a little quiet on the blog-front lately. I guess it’s because there’s just so much going on and time is moving so quickly.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what to write, and those who help others are on my mind today: the helpers.

You know who you are: the ones who give and offer encouragement and support, without really expecting any recognition or anything in return. The ones who are compassionate and oftentimes work behind-the-scenes, probably not even getting much notice (and yet you’re okay with that).
Does that describe you or someone you know? I hope so. I hope you know someone like this and you recognize the good he or she does for the world. Or if you are that someone, I hope you can say to yourself “that’s me.”

If it is you, thank you. I hope you too recognize the good you do for the world.

Oh, I’m certain you have your moments where you think a simple thank you would be nice, or you wonder how long it would take someone to notice all that isn’t getting done if you weren’t the one doing it. Maybe you don’t have those sorts of thoughts, or you wouldn’t even want to admit to yourself you have those thoughts…but even if you do, it’s okay. We all have bad days or stress that causes us to crack a little around the edges at times. Even if you can relate to these not-so-heroic thoughts, I truly believe God knows your heart and still wants you to hear: Well done, good and faithful servant. Because at the end of the day, even in those not-so-shining moments, I’m betting you still do the work. You still give and you still encourage.

Even when it’s hard, you still do it. Even when you’ve been hurt by someone else who you helped or if you were “fooled” by a situation and helped when they possibly didn’t “need” it, you pick yourself up and you give some more. You do it not because of the response, but because of the love that’s in your heart. Some might say you’re too tenderhearted or too kind to a fault; some may even say you’re naïve, but you know better. You desire to love people; knowing that it’s not so much about them, but it’s about showing the love of Christ. You help because it’s a part of who you are.

I imagine that if you are one who helps, it’s hard to switch roles and be on the receiving end. I recently had that experience. I’m used to being on the helping side, not the receiving, yet a situation arose that caused me to need a little help. And boy was it hard to accept.

It’s not because I think I’m “too good” to need help – in whatever form that help takes. It’s because I want to give. I found myself stressing out about being a burden or bothering other people, but that’s when the thought occurred to me: when I know someone else needs help, I never feel they’re a burden or a bother. So why would I think others would feel that way about me?

Do you struggle to be on the receiving end of help? Maybe it’s financial, or maybe it’s needing an extra pair of hands to complete a task. Maybe it’s a ride, or someone to watch your children. It’s okay to need help sometimes – and it’s certainly okay to ask for it. I’m sure there are people out there who would love the opportunity to help you. It would be such a blessing for them.

Do you know someone who is always helping others or doing the tasks no one else really wants to do? Maybe you shouldn’t wait until they “need” help or ask for it –maybe you should just offer to do something nice for them. They may be a little resistant at first, but don’t give up. Be there for them. Encouragers need encouragement and helpers need help sometimes. And it’s okay.

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” –Jesus (John 13:34-35)