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Listen while you read: "Standing By A Purpose True"1
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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
Send your feedback to the author
My goodness, Gail, what a journey! Praise God for those who took care of you and the example they showed.
What a story and what a reminder to be more concerned with the needs of others!
Bless you!
Your devotion was right on, Gail. My prayer is to just have the scales removed from my eyes so I can see those in need. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Thank you so much for sharing this! It touched my heart to see how helpful people can be who quietly help in time of need! I pray you have healed completely. May God bless you and those who helped you.
Gail, thank you for this clear example of God’s care in providing helpers at just the right time and place. Sometimes we also experience simple help in just a smile or kind word or action from a stranger on an ordinary day. I like that your prayer reminded us to also look for ways to be the “helper”.
Wow – Gail!
What an experience you had on that trip. From time to time we find ourselves needing help from somebody. I thank God that he sent his helpers and strategically placed them along the way to assist you when you needed them.
Wishing you a healthy, 2024.
Dear Gail, I appreciate your devotional and that was quite a trip you took literally! I am thankful you recovered well, and God provided helpers to minister to you at every stage of your trip. Your prayer today is a desire of mine also. “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.” Thanks again.
Goodness Gail, Hopefully each day is better for you.
Coincidentally I just finished reading a chapter in Dr. Jeremiah’s book “A Life Beyond Amazing.” The chapter is on compassion, and it certainly fits the description of those people who helped you. Glad you had compassionate people in your path and trust you will continue to heal.
Oh Gail, l am so sorry to hear about this mishap on the train. Your wonderful adventure having been marred.
I am thankful you were not more seriously injured, and that God brought many helpers your way.
I pray that those bones will mend well and that you will have no residual effects from your fall.
Thank you for taking the time to share your “adventure” with us and the insight the Spirit has blessed you with through it.
Blessings.
Thank you for your devotional today, Gail. That was quite an unpleasant happening to deal with on your trip but good news that there were many helpful people encountered. Yes, it is something we need be ever ready to do, to reach out to others and help in any way possible. It is amazing how just a few positive words can mean a tremendous amount to someone in need of help. Our loving Lord is a great example to follow as we read about the ways He reached out to help people. Blessings for your writings and for a good recovery from your accident.
Thank you, Gail, for this wonderful devotion on finding helpers along life’s pathway. In particular, I appreciated your prayer at the end about asking for our eyes to be opened to the needs of others around us and to respond to that need.
You made my day as you have encouraged me in my walk of faith and service to our Lord and maker.
(Ontario)