“When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one it belongs to.”
Proverbs 3:27 HCSB
“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 HCSB
We’ve all felt overwhelmed and underqualified, as though we’re in over our heads or on a ship sinking in a storm.
During my first year of solo teaching, my mother-in-law, Rowena, would visit my classroom weekly as the “class grandma.” What a wonderful relief to have her there!
I’d spent the prior year in a first grade classroom learning from a master teacher. That summer, I was hired to teach fourth grade in the same building. It was both exciting and overwhelming. There was new material to learn, reading groups to run, and assignments to grade.
As Ro walked into the classroom each week, I would eagerly ask her to grade the journals or teach a lesson!
As a retired fourth grade teacher who had just given up substitute teaching, she was missing out on the interactions and camaraderie of spending time with students. She loved jumping in and helping out wherever needed. It was a win-win for both of us!
Years later, she would often visit our home to spend time with our young children while my husband and I worked or went out on a date.
Ro termed these visits as SOS missions–”Save Our Sims!”
As Grandpa and Grandma Sims grew older, I was able to help them with my own SOS missions by providing meals, cleaning out their apartment after a fire, and helping them settle into senior housing.
God calls us to help one another and share each other’s burdens. Philippians 2:4 says “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
In Acts 20:35, Paul says “In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
We all have gifts to share with those around us. I’m so thankful for the example that Grandma Sims was throughout her life and how God used her to encourage me, my students, my family, and all who were blessed by her.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for sending others who help us in the struggles of life. Please show us the ways we can assist those around us who are in need, and gently point them to You. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: When have you been blessed by others? Who could use your support?
Porch Chair Prayers 