Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t see what is happening right in front of us. I’m so guilty of not being aware of my surroundings that it gets me into trouble. I hate that I don’t pay attention to those I love because I’m so involved with whatever I’m doing that seems so important. As a teacher it’s easy to see when a child in class is out of the norm. When they aren’t their selves in the way they act or look. I often call them aside and ask them are they okay. Most of the time it’s just pressure from lack of sleep, unfinished homework or everyday school drama. I try to encourage them with support and love and it seems to work.
Noticing the kids are easy because we are in class and I’m one on one with them during that time. What I’m talking about are neighbors, adult friends or even a stranger. In my daily life I encounter so many people of all kinds of life style’s. Some people I know and some not so much. Doesn’t really matter if you know someone or not if your general feeling is they need help you should do just that. Sometimes it’s as simple as opening a door to the store or their car. Helping someone lift something up in their truck can make the world of difference to them. I see many teachers loaded down in the morning with bags, boxes and computers. I see it but my head is so wrapped around what I need to get done I don’t think maybe I should grab something for them. After I pass them and I’m in my room I then think I should have as to helped him/her. I need to become more aware of what is going on in that moment and stop spinning my day trying to think 2 hours ahead. It’s not getting me anywhere but losing the moment I’m in.
My husband is quiet the southern gentlemen. He will laugh when he reads this and say “WHAT”. I can’t tell you how many times that we are out estate sale shopping and he offers to help people. He noticed a lady just last weekend trying to pick up a large heavy box. He walked away down the sidewalk to carry it for her and put it in her car. Once he stopped the truck and got out to help an older couple load a piece of furniture in their car. This is not just a few times it seems every where we go he is always noticing people in need. A couple of years ago on spring break we were traveling with David and Janice. We arrived at a restaurant on the beach to have dinner and relax and watch the sun set. As we got out of the car I noticed Greg walk away from us. When I looked back he was helping a car load of women with a flat tire. I never noticed them just feet away from us. Again I need to be more aware of my surroundings. Greg is a stand up guy with lots of southern charm. That charm is aways open to helping others but sometimes that charm gets him in the dog house LOL.
My point to all this is look around you. See what is there and who needs a helping hand. Care enough to offer and you will be the one that receives the blessing.
