Lending A Helping-Hand...

We, most of us, anyway, are familiar with the phrase, 'God helps those who help themselves', this, in my interpretation, meaning that when we take the initiative to assist ourselves, to better our position, choose to move forward, and, to learn from our past, mistakes, He is there to offer us comfort and support in our purpose. It's terrific to acknowledge, accept, and, KNOW, in one's heart, that this is so. There is another biblical quotation that offers a different message, relative to 'Helping', and, it is: 'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.' ~ Philippians 2 1:5 It is my opinion that it is AS important to extend ourselves to others, in our lives, as it is to care for our own needs. Naturally, if we are 'helping ourselves' in an attempt to be 'the best we can be' we will be better able to offer support to those in our lives who need it. In our ability to extend ourselves to others in need, we are, actually, doing the thing God wishes us to do; Yet, we cannot make ourselves available to those who might benefit from our help, if we are not paying attention. For, it is so, very, easy to focus on our own situations, and, all but forget, in our busy, fast-paced, and, demanding lives, that there ARE others we can aid, if we trust in God, and allow Him to enable us to serve others in their times of need. I found this prayer, which, fairly well sums up my feelings, with respect to this matter and message. It states: 'Lord, open my eyes to the hurts, needs, and struggles of a world that is so desperately in need of Your LOVE. Help me to be Your instrument to inject that LOVE into hurting lives.' AMEN ~ Just Prayin'...