Proverbs 17:17 – A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT)

Fred Rogers, the "Mr. Rogers" well known to generations of children, gave them comforting advice. He told them that if they were afraid or in trouble, to "look for the helpers" who would be able to help them.

I recently took a solo trip across the United States and back. Mr. Rogers' mantra, "Look for the helpers," frequently came to mind — and into play — as I faced various challenges along the way. I took that advice to heart in the busy Atlanta, Georgia, airport, finding an information counter where I could ask directions to my next flight. Later on, in Chicago's massive Central Station, I was again able to ask where to wait for my train. No matter where I found myself on that exciting adventure, I was able to find someone who could help me along the way.

My need was certainly put to the test only five hours into my two-day cross-country train trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Portland, Oregon. As I was moving carefully through a passenger car between the dining car and my own compartment, the train suddenly lurched, throwing me — HARD — onto the floor. My first helper was a kind gentleman who had been following right behind me. It took a few minutes for me to catch my breath and be able to talk. This gentleman waited patiently for me to recover a bit, then helped me back to my own compartment.

Next came the coach attendant who wisely recommended that arrangements be made for an ambulance to be waiting for me at the next station. I spent the next two days in a hospital far from home, but helpers continued to come my way in the form of emergency medical technicians, doctors, nurses, and x-ray technicians. The diagnosis was a broken collarbone and four fractured ribs in my back.

After two days in the hospital, I was given the okay to continue my train trip home. The lustre was now certainly off this part of my long-awaited travel adventure, but I had to get home somehow! Helpers continued to come along in the form of the coach attendant and even my seat partner for part of the trip, who helped engage me in conversation, taking my mind off my discomfort!

After I got home, my daughter and friends and neighbours in my condo community helped immensely as I slowly regained strength in my recuperation. At this point, I've lost track of how many helpers crossed my path during my time of great need.

My prayerful intent now is to be more sensitive and responsive to the needs of those around me. This will take awareness and a willingness to give of myself. What about you?

Prayer: Dear Lord, please give us open eyes to see the needs of others around us, and an open heart to respond to those needs. Amen.

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About the author:

Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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