A Saturday or so ago, several guys David worked with came to help him install sheet rock in the ceiling at the storage building. It was something he could not do by himself.
He had already helped one or two of them with different projects at their homes. He has promised to help another of them when he gets ready to do a project.
David has taught these younger men a lot of things they did not know. Like how to finish a concrete slab for a building and other things. They are always amazed that he can work circles around them.
One thing for sure no one can ever say about my hubby is that he was not a hard worker. He is one of the hardest workers I know and is constantly working on one thing or another. He definitely outworks me as well.
That’s the way it used to be all the time. Whatever was needed people stepped up and helped out, expecting nothing in return. How far we have gone down that slope is on the opposite spectrum of things these days.
We need to return to those days where we step up and help people. During times of crisis people do tend to step up and that’s wonderful and as it should be as well. But there shouldn’t have to be a crisis to step up and help someone.
You see when you help someone you are not just helping them, you are also helping yourself. Helping others is good for your emotional well being.
Studies have even been done of that very subject. One study shows that helping others not only improves social interaction but distracts people from their own problems. It can improve self-esteem and competence. In addition, you are making memories that you can draw upon down the road.
Some studies even suggest that helping others helps you live longer. That is because it decreases stress and can boost your immune system.
Scientists even say it boosts your brain response.
We really shouldn’t be surprised, after all, the Bible says we should help others. There are so many ways to help people, whether that just be visiting them when they are sick or in the hospital, or offering an elderly person your seat in a crowded area. It could be as simple as offering your umbrella to someone on a rainy day.
The Bible tells us to carry each other’s burdens. Sometimes helping is just lending a listening ear to someone. Unless you are in someone’s life every single day, you have no idea what they are having to deal with in their life.
I love the stories of people helping other people but sometimes we brag too much. The Bible also tells us not to go about bragging on our good deeds. We should be helping for the sake of caring, not to feed our ego, or so that someone will give us a pat on the back.
Kindness really doesn’t cost anything. Sometimes just smiling at someone is what they need for that day. Never underestimate the power of a smile. I try to smile at everyone and when someone doesn’t smile back, I wonder what has them so sour on life.
Kindness should be something that comes naturally to us. It should be part of our DNA. And we should never expect anything in return. That kind of defeats the purpose, don’t you think.
Your children should see you helping others so they in turn, will help others. This is a valuable lesson which should be taught.
What if for one whole day, we spent the day being kind and helping others? Perhaps we could even start a kindness movement by passing it own.
I have had someone pay for my meal in a drive-through and I try to pay that forward. Paying it forward is something to strive for daily.
All of us are blessed more than we really deserve and we should be blessing others. It’s a way to make a difference in our world today, even if only in a small way.
To help others, we have to make helping a priority. We can’t tell ourselves that we don’t have time to help. All of us are busy, but we make time for our priorities.
Helping others is also about showing love. God loves us and He wants us to love everyone. Galatians tells us by love serve one another. Showing love is another way to help. Offer a hug or a genuine compliment. Always be genuine because people know if you are not.
There is an old proverb which states, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness that lasts a lifetime, help somebody.”
When they can’t help you back, makes it even more loving. Go bless someone today and you will be blessed as well.©2019

VICTORIA SIMMONS Is a columnist, author, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com