Please, May I Help You?Sample

LESSON IN THE KNOT OF HIS NECKTIE!

We laughed about my inability to tie his neckties (he always wore them to church and business meetings). Lord knows that man sported skinny knots, thick knots, lopsided knots, and knots that were next to impossible to untie!  If he complained too much about how it appeared, I would pull it up tighter on his neck, which always got a smile out of him! 

I had never heard of the Gordian Knot, but somehow, I learned to tie them!  (The term 'Gordian knot' describes a complex or unsolvable problem, and its history takes us back to Alexander the Great.)

Sometimes, our intentions to help are good, but if it causes more stress, perhaps we can find other ways of helping!  I say that because thank goodness more and more men started coming to church without neckties on. Dan and I always loved to dress up, but as the casual attire became more of the look, it helped solve the necktie problem.  

For the times he needed to wear a tie, our son-in-law David can to the rescue, as later that evening, we were careful to loosen it without untying it for future use! We also discovered pretied zip ties! So, men friends, if you have the talent to help a brother in need, offer to share your talent, for it is a pleasing sacrifice!

"Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices." Hebrews 13:16 

We know we all have times where it is hard to give (especially if things are tight or going wrong). We also know there are times where it is hard to receive). Think about the little things we take for granted and how a few moments can make a big difference to another person.

Dan found other ways to allow strangers to be a blessing.  I would send him to the grocery store for just a few items. If it involved fruit or vegetables, he would rip the plastic produce bag from the dispenser and rub his fingers over the plastic, trying to open it.  Now you and I both know those bags are next to impossible to open with two hands!

Many people passed him by, but sure enough, there would always be one observant soul come to his rescue.  Dan loved to tell me all about the blessing when he got home.  Sometimes it would be a woman, sometimes a man, sometimes a younger person, sometimes older.  They saw the need and allowed themselves to become the blessing!  The stranger was letting the light of Christ shine to others!

"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16 

CAN YOU RELATE?

We get so busy in life that many times we miss the opportunity to be a blessing.  Being a blessing to others does not always mean we are opening our wallets. More times than not, it is offering our time or our talents.  As we move into the study tomorrow, think of ways you can be a blessing!