Sunday was a beautiful day in terms of the weather.  It was sunny and warm (but not too warm), with a hint of Fall in the air.  When Jim suggested we go for a walk down to our creek, I thought it was a great idea.  The boys have been doing a lot of work clearing a path to the creek and we wanted to check on their progress.

As we were sneaking heading out the back, Jade asked if she could join us.  The answer was a big, “Yes!”

Jade and Jim were chatting away, when I noticed Jim look off to the right.

He stopped to check out a little oak tree.

Soon, he and Jade were removing a honeysuckle vine that had wound itself around the little oak tree and was starting to girdle it.

I listened to Jim explain to Jade about all of the damage that the vine could do to the tree if it was left there.  After doing their good deed, they pressed on toward the creek.

But it got me thinking what a great lesson Jim had just provided to Jade.

That little oak tree represents all of the people that we randomly come into contact with throughout our lives.  So often, they just need a little help.  Whether it’s a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand.

How often do we stop and offer that help?

I’d like to think I do it quite often, but to be honest – I never even noticed that little oak tree until Jim stopped.  How many other people do I walk right by without even noticing?

As I thought about it, I decided there are three lessons that I took away from watching Jim and Jade.

1. Be observant.  Sometimes people will ask you for your help.  But a lot of times they won’t.  I’m going to try to be more aware of the people I come into contact with to see if any of them need help that I can provide.

2. Keep margin.  Helping people, even if it is something quick, does take time.  I need to keep some extra space in my life so that I have the time to give when I notice that somebody needs a helping hand.

3. Passs it on.  I want to train my children to be willing to offer help to others.  I want to actively model it for them and show them how it is easily done and how it not only makes the people you are helping feel loved, but it makes you feel good too.

Jim wasn’t paying any attention to me as he and Jade helped that little oak tree.  He wasn’t doing it so that I would tell him what a great homeschooling dad he is (although I think he’s awesome).  Jim helped that tree because that is the kind of person he is at heart.  He sees a need and if it is in his ability to help, he helps.

That’s the kind of person I want to be and it’s the kind of person I want my children to be!

Have you had a chance to offer any help lately?