Life is full of serious moments. Moments we grow and learn from. Then there are hilarious moments. Moments when you laugh in the pit of your stomach. In those funny moments, lessons can still be found. Life, daily living is a growing experience…
Recently my husband and I were watching our friend’s children for a few days. During their stay, one of the children got a little tummy bug. Being a small child he needed some assistance in the bathroom. With each visit came a call for help. On one particular visit to the bathroom, I heard his cries and promptly arrived in the bathroom. He looked in pain as if someone had punched him in the stomach. He cried, “Why me? Why me?” I bent low, getting to his level, “Your tummy hurt?”
He cried, “Why me? Why me?”
I bent low, getting to his level, “Your tummy hurt?”
“Yes!” Why me? Why me?!”
Reaching out a hand I rubbed his back, my heart filled with empathy for this little boy. “I am sorry. It will get better.”
“Why me? Why me?!”
Suddenly I noticed he wasn’t trying to go potty. No, wait?
He cried again, “Wipe me! Wipe me!”
“Oh, you need me to wipe you, sweetheart? You are all done?”
“YES!”
As I finished helping him I felt terrible for not understanding. Later as I revisited this scenario with my husband he laughed and I did then too.
In this silly moment of misunderstanding, I can see a lesson. How often have I had a heart with good intentions in reaching a helping hand to someone? Empathy, compassion fill me. Yet what I am giving them is not what they need, not what they are asking for.
It is important to seek God first. Ask His direction before swooping in with the salve for the wound that hasn’t been cleaned yet. Being attentive so that our efforts are helpful and not further damaging.
I could give that little boy all the empathy in the world however in that moment it did nothing for his problem. He needed physical help. He was trying to communicate that.
Paramedics are taught to stop and assess the scene before entering. Should we not do the same when we reach out a helping hand?
Watch. Listen. Practice patience.
Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. NLT
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. NLT
