What Happens When We Need Help?

Just a quick scan of the internet will tell us stories of the “Good Samaritan” are alive and well—we just must look for them a little harder. A mother searches for the good person that saved her daughter from drowning out of the kindness of his heart; a stranger pays someone’s fuel bill without asking anything in return; someone helps another avoid a suicide attempt, and a neighbor's cat is rescued. We all wipe away tears when we hear of these heartwarming stories.

However, caring for others may not come naturally. We tend to become preoccupied with our own wants and desires ignoring the needs of those around us. We can even justify to ourselves and friends and family that we each should take care of our own responsibilities and not be bothered by anyone who needs help. This is sometimes the mindset of those who don’t want to become involved even when someone is in danger or in an emergency.

Why Should We?

What happens, then, when we ourselves need help? And, of course, at some point in life (maybe right now), we will, indeed, be in a situation when that occurs. No one can go through life totally alone and expect to never need another to help us out. Recently an article mentioned that we, unfortunately, may only ever know no more than two of our neighbors at any one point in time. And that is just a friendly wave or a one-syllable “Hi.” Knowing the names of people living around us is an additional step. Inviting that neighbor for coffee or dinner is almost unheard of in our world.

What is the point of becoming that person who is willing to drop everything and become a good neighbor/Good Samaritan? Why should we in the first place? If we choose to have compassion for another person, we step out of ourselves and may, then, avoid our own pity party surrounding problems in our lives. Amazingly, we may even arrive at a solution during others’ dilemmas.

Of course, simply helping someone, when we could just walk away, will help us grow in unexpected ways as a human being. Selfishness is a childish trait that is not extremely attractive in an adult. We would never want to admit such a thing or be known as that kind of person. In fact, we may have lived with a person who exhibited this very same personality characteristic and it was difficult and frustrating for us to deal with such a lack of compassion. We are better than that, so consider these personal benefits showered on us when we demonstrate a generous nature.

Nine Blessings of a Good Samaritan:

·                     We naturally become givers in all things

·                     We will prosper and be refreshed in our souls

·                     We are protected against criticism

·                     Wisdom, faith, and knowledge grow

·                     Goodness will be heaped upon us

·                     Our reputations will be remembered

·                     We will have influence and honor

·                     We will “reap what we sow”  

·                     Our world is filled with joy and light, rather than darkness

We are given unique abilities by God and born into a certain time and place whereby, we have what we need to help those put in our path. As humans, we can recognize our own responsibilities and duty when it comes to being that neighbor whom everyone can count on to help. Someone who is always there. Being neighborly can catch on fast, so let’s be the first on our block!

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

 

Did You Leave Seven Surprises Under the Tree?

Christmas Candy Apples

Most of us can agree we sure don't always receive the gifts we expected at Christmas! The long return lines at every store are proof. Sometimes returning a gift comes with a valid reason like the item of clothing didn't fit or, we received two of the same kitchen gifts we already have in our cabinets! 

Then there are those gifts that are perfectly fine, but some would rather just have the cash. It's tragic we tend to turn a beautiful celebration like Christmas into a retail nightmare. 

So, let's get rid of this disillusion and find something real. Often, the last week of the year is a good time for reflection--finding the priceless gifts left under the tree that will last throughout the coming year. Gifts that will make a difference in our new, adventurous life journey. 

Seven Surprises Under the Tree!
They may not be obvious at first, but if we look hard enough, we'll find the real blessings to take into 2019:  

1. Survived the first...second...third...Christmas on our own! 
2. Shared time with new friends
3. Discovered laughter is good medicine
4. Enjoyed a calm and happy home  
5. Found our heart's desire
6. Made what's old into what's new
7. Recognized change is good for the soul

Don't Forget the Key

Did you notice? None of these blessings needed gift wrap! They are ours to keep. But we do need a "tool" to further expand them into a whole new life of faith, confidence, and hope. The tool needed to open these forever gifts is Prayer. Much of life is extremely difficult without a daily conversation with God. He is the Giver of Gifts and delights in presenting them to us. Check the verse today at the bottom of this message for a clue how to receive the best He can give. And never give up!

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you" (Luke 11:9 NLT)

17 Blessings of Sunrises and Sunsets

It's the day after. . .finally! It's over, but just beginning. We may not have gotten what we wanted, but it is our life. It is what it is. No sense stomping our feet. Ban the worry. Kick the fear. Shatter the feeling. Drown the overwhelming dread. Oh, no, it may sound like it, but this isn't about the worst election in history! This is our life and better yet, this is a fresh start. We want to keep the momentum going (after all, a moving object is hard to destroy, right?). 

Reflections
So to ease up and take a break here, nothing is more encouraging than sitting with a sunrise or sunset while reflecting on the reasons why we have been blessed this way: 

1. A gentle wake-up call
2. Offers to us a brand new day with new mercies
3. Bestows hope for all things

Find your quiet place

4. Gives us reason to rejoice
5. It's God's love-gift to us
6. Colors our world perfectly
7. Keeps us humble
8. Provides peace to our mind, body, and soul
9. Reminds us of our Creator
10. Primary subject of artistic expression
11. Can share it, but not lose it
12. What dreams are made of
13. Best movie endings
14. Brings a release of tears
15. Leaves us with ideas for tomorrow
16. Conclusion to a wonderful day
17. Proof God is alive and in control

These are only 17. Obviously, there are many, many more we could fill our journals with. Taking a break is a highly avoided activity, but it's no reason for any kind of guilt. Breaks are actually an excellent form of free personal therapy! Without a regular habit of this method of calming our minds, we will never hear from God. 

The clamor is deafening!
Too many of us have said, "I never hear from Him." Could it be because we live in constant noise and chaos? God is gentle. He whispers. He listens. He is patient. Thank Him for that alone! 

We can find a favorite, quiet place to go to and carve out a time to spend with Him. For most of us, this place is in the outdoors. It could be near a river or creek, a hillside, a park, a forest, or even our backyard, porch, balcony, or living room. Someplace. Somewhere. He is waiting to spend time with each of us. Can you hear Him now?

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1