A Little Help

As I walked last evening I passed under what almost seemed like a guard of honour, trees bending over to form an arch. The other way to look at it was that the prevailing wind had done its very best to blow two trees over but the helping hand of another had offered support.

There is a lovely story of the blind man who was standing at the corner of a street where he was unfamiliar with the sounds and feeling or the place. Being a bit afraid he asked a passer if he would help him across the street and point him in the direction he needed to walk. The passerby took his arm and did just as requested. On the other side of the road he pointed him where he had to go and took his farewell.

He now had to get back across the busy street so he waved his white stick to let the passing traffic know that he was blind.

Another tale came to my mind as I walked on with those thoughts.

The stories of an event that happened over 200 years ago. A man in civilian clothes was riding past a group of battle weary soldiers who were busy working at digging an important defensive trench. The section leader was shouting his orders willing the men on threatening punishment if the work was not completed in another hour.

"Why do you not give them a help?" the civilian asked.

"I am in charge I give the orders. The men do as I tell them," said the section leader. "help them yourself if you feel so strongly about it."

To his surprise the civilian did just that. He dismounted his horse and rolled up his sleeves and gave his helming until the task was completed.

Before leaving the civilian congratulated the men on the work they had done then turned to the section leader.

"You should notify top command next time your rank prevents you from supporting your men. When you do I will provide a more permanent solution," said the stranger.

It was only now that they were standing close together that the section leader realised he was talking to General Washington. He was also aware of the lesson taught that there is never a time when we cannot offer a help to those in need.

A little helping hand to another costs nothing but can make such a great difference to the lives of others.

Have a marvellous day.