Look! Do You See Them? The Quiet Helpers

This Post is in recognition of those people that seem to fall between the cracks. I’m not talking about the obvious helpers like first responders, doctors, nurses, etc. Although they DO deserve our thanks and our recognition. I’m talking about the person that is quietly in your life, helping you and/or others out, and they do it without wanting recognition or compensation. These kind people are everywhere if you would just look.

On my morning walk, I pass two ladies almost every day. One lady is blind, but always in good spirits. Her companion is also always in good spirits. It’s this companion that prompted me to write this article. She carries with her a long pole and while she holds on to one end, she leads this sightless lady holding on to the other end. Her companion never fails to smile, nor does she bring attention to herself as a helper. She just gets up every morning and meets her friend for that day’s stroll in the sunshine and fresh air.

If you take the time to look around, you might see many more such quiet helpers: the person accompanying someone in a wheel chair; the lady in the cashier line that picks up a dropped item from someone who can’t bend down; the gentleman who opens the door for someone with a walker; the person who quietly ask “Are you O.K.?” when you’re in tears; someone pushing the shopping cart for a senior or disabled person; a neighbour who picks up your mail and brings you a cup of coffee; and the list goes on and on. None of these people helping out are looking for recognition. In fact, if someone WERE to say something, this helper usually reacts with humbled thanks while looking quite uncomfortable being singled out for something they’ve done.

What can we do about this? Especially if the person is uncomfortable if noticed? Notice them anyway. Give them a smile; a quiet “thank you”; a touch on the arm (although with Covid still kicking around, no one likes to touch or be touched!). And you can remember this person you saw in your prayers. Ask God to watch over them as they watch over others. And you can learn something from these people. Maybe YOU might just be prompted to help someone who needs it. But doing so without looking for a “thank you” or any kind of recognition. Helping out just because someone needs it – for no other reason than you’re there at that particular time.

Or you might BE one of those people that go through life quietly lending a helping hand. If you ARE such a person, let me say “THANK YOU”. “Thank You” for noticing when someone needs help; “Thank You” for your smile; “Thank You” for your thoughtfulness; and especially “Thank You” for being who you are. In this fast-paced world of ours where too many people just worry about themselves and are drowning in stress – especially nowadays – you are a beacon of light to every person you help. And never forget: there is always Someone who sees EVERYTHING – our Heavenly Father above. He sees your kindness every time – even if no one else does.

In conclusion, anyone can be that “quiet helper”. All you have to do is step outside of yourself and notice the people around you. You never know who you’ll see that needs a helping hand. You also never know when YOU might end up needing the help of one of these unassuming people! When you do, I’m sure you’ll never look at people the same way. Let’s hope it doesn’t take a need you yourself have before you decide to be one of the “quiet helpers” of the world.

Until next time,

Inge