Simple Life Day #4

Lend A Hand

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

As Edith and her teenaged daughter, Stella, left the auction and headed across the parking lot, they were shocked to discover their buggy horse straddling the hitching rail, neighing and thrashing about. He'd obviously tried to break free, and the front of the buggy was now pushed up against his back legs, leaving the horse in a precarious position.
"I'll pull and you push," Edith told Stella. "We've got to get our horse off the rail before he gets hurt!"
After several tries, Edith felt so worn out from trying to free their frantic horse that she was ready to give up. It was obvious that she and Stella couldn't accomplish the task alone.
About that time, several English people showed up, offering their assistance. One man had a rope, which he put around the horse's neck. Two other men got behind the animal, and as they pushed, the first man tugged on the rope.
The horse continued to struggle but finally broke free from the railing and fell to the ground. He lay there awhile, wheezing and thrashing. Then slowly he rose to his feet, a bit wobbly, but apparently unharmed.
"Thank you so much," Edith told the men who had helped. "We couldn't do this by ourselves."
"I'm glad your horse is okay," one man replied.
Edith nodded, grateful that strangers had been willing to help in her time of need.
How often do we get busy and fail to see the needs of others? Have you ever witnessed someone in need and done nothing about it? Have you ever been the one in need but received no help?
In Isaiah 41:6 we are told: "They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage." Not only are we blessed when someone bears our burdens, but the one who has helped is blessed.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Timely good deeds are nicer than afterthoughts.

FOOD FOR THE BODY: Bread & Butter Pickles
25-0 cucumbers, medium, sliced thin
8 white onions, large, chopped
1/2 cup salt
2 cups cider vinegar
5 cups sugar
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons mustard seed
1 teaspoon turmeric

Combine cucumbers, onions, and salt in a large bowl. Let stand for 3 hours. Drain. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, and spices in large kettle; bring to a boil. Add cucumber mixture. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Pack while hot into clean sterilized jars and seal at once.


This is an area I struggle in. Helping complete strangers. It is not that I don't want too, but in today's world it can be a little scary. I am quick to help women and children, but men who are alone? I do hesitate. I do like to help others.

And I might add that it is a turn on when my husband is helpful. Specific times that come to mind is him stopping to help a woman get her car started and him returning a lady's cart @ Wal-Mart.

How many opportunities do we miss to help someone in need? This is the question that popped into my head as I read this devotional. Are my eyes really open? Am I watching for opportunities? Even if it is something as simple as holding the door for someone. It always touches me when a student holds the door for me at school. How respectful is that!?!

God does tell us to bear one another's burdens. We are to help each other - not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but all people.

This devotional has simply made me stop and think that I should really be watching for the opportunity to help others.