Joy comes in the Needy!

When the seas are rough, the powerful waves relentless, instability a driving force, the best chance at survival is banning together. One who chooses independence, relying on personal strength while choosing to reject or deny the skills of the others, will encounter a much more challenging battle.

When we were young, we were encouraged and taught to become independent. Grit, determination, and perseverance are all admirable qualities to obtain. Knowledge, financial independence, and healthy daily provision all set the stage for capable and successful adulting. 

A problem occurs when we remain on the dedicated road to independence and gain an attitude that needing others reveals weakness. This lie will create havoc as we get older. We must learn to collaborate on the road of give and take. 

None of us have complete skills to lead a perfect life. We all do or will need help of some kind, whether it physical, emotional, mental, or financial. The longer we remain in the mindset of not needing others beyond the necessary foundational building, the more biases with be in need of correction.

We are designed to live in relationship, with God, with ourselves and with others.

If any of these pieces are out of alignment, it is near impossible to remain balanced. If one is blessed to remain independent, there is a possibility that they can look at others in their own need as weak… this is not the truth. It is actually a lot easier to take care of people than to allow others to take care of us.

The suffering people must give permission for others to serve them. If they do, the reward is channeled to the giver. How many times have we volunteered for something and left more fulfilled than ever? When I visit my homeless friends, it seriously impacts me to a higher degree than it does them. If they shut me out, I can do nothing. If they invite me in, engage me in a conversation, accept clothes or food, they are allowing me a privilege. I am no longer a consistent volunteer due to a shift in schedule but on a Friday when I feel my servant tank low, I pop in with some clothes to donate. Every single time I leave, my heart is lighter, and a smile is on my face. I realize that I just received a precious gift from the people who suffer so greatly.

Because our affluent culture allows more people to live privately, we have lost the value of close proximity.

Spontaneous car rides to surprise visit friends, going to Sunday dinner at grandmas, and hanging at a local lake, have been replaced with triathlons, restaurant eating experiences and extended trips to Europe. Those are life enhancing excursions and are in no need of an apology, but I wonder if all of that time spent on exploring the world and our culture and our personal skills have taken away the time spent with those God chose for us to love. The ones God needs us to love.

Perhaps this is the reason that the times in which we live are filled with lonely people. Depression, suicide, and mental illness dominate the high priority issues.

The great thing is that we have the power to make a difference. It doesn’t need to be big, just intentional. Who on you life team is suffering? What can you do to help? A call, a text, a note or letter in the mail. Start simple and keep your eyes open for bigger opportunities. In a recent conversation, a new friend was filling me in on her recent travels, she told me she had been to Thailand to visit her grandchildren, Minnesota to care for her mom, and Texas to hold her newborn grandbaby! Talk about intentional giving!

Let’s come together. Let’s love one another. Don’t just sit there! We’ve got work to do! We can still bike across Florida or try that new sushi place, or go on a pilgrimage to France but what about the time in between?

Maybe you aren’t in a season to reach out to others. Your gift and it’s huge, is to let allow others to help you. Reach out to a trusted friend. You don’t need to wait for them to see you. They may want to help and have no idea how. They also may be in a hidden struggle and a friend is just what they need.

Today is the anniversary of the day my special friend Susie went to her heavenly home. Although the family had been called in a few months earlier thinking Susie’s time on earth was coming to an end, her purpose on earth was not complete. One thing God needed her to do was help change the professional path of nurse in her last stay at the hospital. Susie though suffering greatly, from what cancer had done to her body, spoke life into a nurse who was ready to give up her career. As weak as Susie was, her humor and her conversations were necessary to reignite passion to a nurse who was good at her job.

Never underestimate the power you carry inside! We all are created for a purpose!