In Helping People I Help Myself

Someone out there needs help. Granted, I probably need help, but somehow problems seem diminished when helping someone else. What's more, usually an understanding of how to solve a problem comes when helping someone else. What's even more, usually blessings are counted after seeing their problem and often the thought is, compared to their problem I'll take my own.

I'm not saying problems are great, they aren't-they suck! All I'm saying is that everybody has them and it feels better to help someone else than to just sit and sulk. I say to myself, "Don't be Debbie Downer-who's always down in the dumps, instead pull yourself up by the bootstraps-put a smile on your face-wipe your tears-and go do something nice for someone else. I promise, you'll feel better".

I can promise it because I've seen it happen. I've been sad, but my sadness felt less when I did something nice for someone else. Today, I'm 45 years old, have my share of problems, and yet feel happy. I don't cry for help, but if I did someone would kindly and lovingly come.

I love the words to this song:

Not too Far From Here

Somebody's down to their last dime
Somebody's running out of time
Not too far from here
Somebody's got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here

And I may not know their name
But I'm praying just the same
That You'll use me, Lord
To wipe away the tears
'Cause somebody's crying
Not too far from here

Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here
Somebody's forgotten how to trust
And somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here

It may be a stranger's face
But I'm praying for Your grace
To move in me
And take away the fear
'Cause somebody's hurting
Not too far from here

Help me, Lord
Not to turn away from pain
Help me not to rest
While those around me weep
Give me Your strength and compassion
When somebody finds
The road of life too steep

Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here
Somebody's forgotten how to trust
And somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here

Now I'm letting down my guard
And I'm opening my heart
Help me speak Your love
To ev'ry needful ear
Someone is waiting
Not too far from here
Someone is waiting
Not too far from here 

Does Anyone Send Christmas Cards Anymore?

As of today (December 19) we've received only five Christmas cards. Either 1) they aren't sending cards this year, 2) they've dropped us from their list, or 3) they are only sending cards electronically (but not to me.) We receive less cards every year. I enjoy reading the letters in some of the cards but now that most people use Facebook I already know their latest news. We live in an electronic world, but I still like to get cards, especially the ones that include letters and may or may not have pictures on the back. Maybe I like to get them because, to me, they say "I thought of you."

I know it takes a lot of effort to write the letters; put the pictures on the back; print them; sign the cards; stuff them; address them; lick them closed; and put a stamp on each one. (Believe me, I know! I sent my cards after realizing the time consuming process.) But giving is one of the gestures of the season. I can hear responses like, "I'm too busy - when will I find the time?" echoing in my head. I used to think of sending cards as no big deal, but it IS a big deal! It's a big deal because it takes time; and it's a big deal because each person receiving it is honored knowing they were considered.

It takes a lot of time and effort to get cards in the mail. To me, giving cards are like giving gifts - they say the same things, "I thought of you and wanted to give you this." True, the gift is in the giving, but even the person who thinks Christmas cards are no big deal will love it when they receive one.

Perhaps sending cards is a thing of the past. I hope not. Christmastime includes giving; and those who receive cards love knowing they were thought about.