Reach Out and Feel the Love of God
I’m not sure why this memory popped up in my head, but back in Jr. High I can remember feeling so frustrated with a history assignment that I was given. I asked my parents for help, but I honestly did not appreciate the help they gave me. What I was really looking for was someone to give me the answer and also write the paper. Instead my parents asked me questions and encouraged me to do the work myself. At the time I did not appreciate this, but I do now. I think we have all had moments in our lives where we wished someone would just give us the answer or tell us what to do in a situation that is causing us anxiety and pain. I have a feeling that this was what the disciples felt sometimes when they were following Jesus, and Jesus was teaching them in parable.
When someone simply gives you the answer, or does the work for you, you miss out on what comes with the struggle. You miss out on the opportunity to learn and grow, to deepen your understanding and gain wisdom, to build up your resilience and persevere. Thinking back on it, what my parents offered me was their belief in me that I could do the work along with their loving presence so that I wouldn’t give up. They also helped me to remove the barriers that I had placed before me. They reversed my self talk that went something like this: “I can’t do this…I’m dumb…etc.” My faith in God does the same thing. When I feel like I have nothing left to give, or that I have let others down, or failed to inspire, God is there reminding me that I can do this, that there is hope. In those moments of fear, and frustration, God sends me messages through others. God provides me with moments of great connection or moments of awakening. Quick fixes do not really help, but people do. People care and God is always there guiding us and encouraging us. I wonder how many times I have pushed people away in my life who really just wanted to help me? How many times have I said, “No, I’m fine”? How many times have I taken the easy way out?
I was once on a greyhound bus heading to Penticton to see a friend when I was in high school. I sat toward the back of the bus in a window seat so that I could sleep and listen to my music on my head phones. A guy sat next to me, who seemed friendly enough, but then he started asking me if I had a boyfriend, and was trying to get me to put my head on his shoulder. As the first few hours went on I tried to ignore him, and tried to squeeze myself through the window. At the next stop which was in Hinton, the bus driver came back and asked if I wanted to move up to the front of the bus. In that moment I was embarrassed. I felt like everyone was looking at me. I said, “No, I’m fine.” But the bus driver didn’t stop there. He then asked, “Is this guy bothering you?” I again said, “No, not really.” I ended up staying in my seat for the rest of the journey. I was scared and uncomfortable, but the guy didn’t say much else to me. I am truly grateful that someone around me alerted the bus driver and that the bus driver acted and checked in on me. I will never forget that moment. I wish I had accepted the bus driver’s help and moved to the front. This experience pops up in my head from time to time, and it helps me remember that it is okay to say yes when someone offers to help. I’m glad nothing bad happened in the end. Help may not always come in the way we want or expect, but it is there. To help another person is to serve God. In Matthew 25:25 it says: “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me…truly I tell you just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me.” May you be open to receiving the help that is offered you and may you be aware of those around you who are in need of help and offer your hand in love.
Blessings, Rev. Karen