The Social Norm of not Lending a Helping Hand!

“Put your mask on before helping others.”  “Don’t give your oil away or your lighthouse will burn out.”  I could go on with more sayings I have heard about thinking of yourself first before doing good for another.  I try to help when I can so others can have a smile on their face or just even have a bit of relief and less worry.  Then the time comes when I need some help…. Do you think that all the people that I have happily gone and helped came my way with a smile?  NO!  “I am too busy.” or “I have other plans!” Is what I heard.  What happen to “Treat your neighbors as you would like to be treated”?  What has happened to helping others?  What has happen to “it takes a tribe”.  I tried not to get upset but it makes me second guess why I went out of my way to help them.  Why is because for me just that moment when you see the relief come over that persons face or a smile because it was unexpected what you did, is more than a feeling but a responsibility.  We all should make it a responsibility to help your neighbor, your friend, your family, even that stranger that may need you to keep that door open just a second longer so they can stroll their child in.  If we all stopped a moment and forgot about ourself we could reap that wonderful feeling of success, of joy, of being one in this world.  Together we have made a nation, together we have made this world, and together we can make it a place of unity, joy, and peace.  In this time of Thanksgiving and holidays may we not think of ourselves as being different from one another or better than but let us think of ourselves as his brother or sister in this world, a friend, a hope for comfort, help and security.  Can you stop and take that moment to help someone with their mask.  Can you give away a little oil and feel good that someone else’s light is burning brighter now.  Think about how your response would be if someone asked you for help.  Would you say you are too busy!