slow down and just look, many are around us every day who need a little help.
At the grocery store? Look at the lanes where people are checking out. Do you see someone who may be struggling to buy their groceries? Do you see an elderly person in line? Don’t go to that register, go to another one and tell the checkout person you want to pay for their groceries but do it Anonymously. I’ve done this and its so humbling to just be quiet and not noticed.
In the parking lot of any store, do you see an elderly person struggling to get their bags into the car? Do you see someone in the handicap parking who needs just a little hand? Pardon me, may I help you with your bags?
There was an elderly homeless man who use to sleep outside about a block from my old office. I unintentionally bothered him one day, and when he looked up, smiled, and waved to say ‘no problem’, I saw this incredible face, worn from many hardships. Every morning, I picked up breakfast, juice, and a pack of smokes for him. All I’d say was ‘good morning’, hand him the sack, ‘have a good day’, then leave. Very simple. When I left work, I’d do the same thing. Did this for over a year. What a sweet blessing that elderly gentleman became. I loved seeing him smile. He would smile and say–hey ms ford (I drive a Ford vehicle). Got him a huge poncho to wear when it rained, winter clothes in the cold months. He wouldn’t go to a shelter–was absolutely terrified of them. He passed away and is now having lunch with the angels. I do miss him still.
Driving home one day last winter, just sitting at the red light looking around. Saw a homeless woman who had no winter clothes on at all. I was sitting in the car wearing a huge hoodie sweatshirt. Pulled over, got out, took it off, walked closer to her and just extended it in my hand–would you take this? I want you to be warm. She was very hesitant but reached out. I held it for her while she put each arm inside, we zipped it up, pulled the hood over the top of her head and she smiled. No talking, no jammering on and on, just simple words. Its not about you, its about quietly helping someone else.
Have you thought about going to a place where the elderly live? Sometimes they don’t have family. Pick up a huge bag of daisies and just leave a flower for each person, man or woman. Maybe a note attached—beautiful souls deserve a beautiful flower.
There is a place in my home town that helps children of all ages who have no family. Its fun to pick up stuff, put it in a bag, and hang it on their door. Quietly, anonymously. Some bags will have puzzels, toys, little wooden figures and water paints, etc. for the younger kids. Books, games, etc. for the older kids. Maybe a note in the bag that just says-always know that someone was thinking about you.
I appreciate many will say don’t do this but I do help people who are having car trouble. Use your own judgment. Very late leaving the office one night, older gentleman was trying to get his car started. We tried using jumper cables but no luck. So I asked him if I could take him home. I was late, the office isn’t in a good area, it would be my honor. He accepted and he got home safely. A young man was walking down the exit ramp, his car was pulled off the side of the interstate. Asked him if I could help. He just needed gas. Picked him up, took him to gas station, then back to his car. Picked up a young mom with 2 very small kids who had run out of gas. It was summer and so very hot. Took them to the gas station, they got something to drink, played with the kids while mom was getting gas to go, then took them back to their car. Can’t explain it other than when I see someone having car trouble, you instantly know if its ok to stop.
Someone mentioned cutting the grass for someone. That’s a great thing to do. Sometimes there is an injury or an illness that prevents the person from being able to cut their yard. And sometimes you just don’t have the money to pay someone to do it. A neighbor helped me when I broke my foot. Another neighbor helped someone else who was going to chemo. Sometimes it is simply an older person who just needs a hand.
Call the VA hospital in your area. Tell them you want to bring a little card to all of the ones in the unit (they have hospitals and nursing homes) and you just need a count. You can print off a card on the computer, 6 to a page, cut them out, put them in envelopes, and take the box to the volunteers at the VA. It can be something as simple as—today I woke up and thought about all the wonderful people in the world and I wanted you to know what a blessing you are. Just sign it A Friend.
Helping others is easy. Many may need a kind word, a small gesture, a little helping hand. I do understand what you are asking. I use to think–if only I was retired, I could do so much to help others; if only I had lots of money, I could do something. Then I was shown that there are thousands of ways to quietly help someone, you don’t have to be retired, you don’t have to plan it out, you don’t have to be wealthy. All you have to do is look up from whatever has your attention and look around.
Its the most humbling thing you will ever do in your life. Not grandioso, not loud, not for attention. Just quiet little helping hands with no judgment, no chattering, no fear. When you do look up from your life and look around, wherever you may be, take time to really see those around you. As you quietly look around you, remember…
I was hungry and you didn’t give me anything to eat
I was thirsty and you didn’t give me anything to drink
I was a stranger and you did not welcome me
I was naked and you did not clothe me
I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me
Thanks and God bless everyone.