Some individuals have never known or attempted to understand how God can help them in their lives. I’ve known those who haven’t even tried to find out. Recently, a friend came to me after church and said, “Sometime, let’s talk. I have something to share with you. It’s about what started me on a path for letting God help me when I was a little child.”

When we arranged a time, Maggie shared this story.

“When I was a very young child, my father disappeared from the family. I was not told anything about where he was or why he left. It felt terrible to be an only child, left out of adult conversations, unable to interact so as to understand. I had no comprehension of what would come next in life except it would probably be the same ol’ same ol’ as yesterday. I was lonely, having only adults around me.

One day, I was invited to attend Sunday school by a neighboring family. There had not been any mention of God or church during my early years, but I went anyway.

It was so nice to be with this group of kids. We listened to the Bible story the teacher was sharing. We were about to finish when she asked the class to bow our heads, close our eyes and talk with God.

I thought doubtfully to myself, “Oh, I’m sure that’s going to work with kids like us!”

Then the teacher, who happened to be the pastor’s wife, said, “I talk to God while sweeping the floor.”

Wow! A light bulb turned on! And, as the little girl, nine years old, I told myself, ‘this is great! I can talk to God.’

From then on I often talked to God. At times, in the evenings, I rode my bike up to a bridge nearby to watch the sunset and talk with God. Although I could not see Him, I knew He was right there with me. It was all so inspiring!

Faith took root for me and it has lasted throughout my entire life. Even today, I still cherish a mental picture of the Sunday school teacher sweeping her floor while being in close communication with God.”

It sounds so simple. And, how true it is that coming to know God and the help He brings to a person is not at all hard. It is something amazing. In fact Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 18:3)

It takes laying down our self-assuredness and saying, “I need your help,” for God to come onboard with daily, comfortable communing within one’s life. He doesn’t take from our lives, but rather He greatly enhances us through “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). Maggie found that.

Married at age 26, God has gifted her with three children and two grandchildren with whom she shares her faith. Now, in her mid-90s, Maggie is one of the most interactive and intelligent women any of us can meet. She shines in personality as her faith in and enjoyment of God is her obvious mainstay.

I originally met Maggie in our church congregation. Until more recently, she was telephoning periodically, aligned teams within the church laity who are trained to serve in rotation during the distribution of communion during our services. Still at work advancing our Lord’s call, Maggie is a “prayer warrior” within the church, working with a list of names she keeps at her bedside. A love of life—and a love for God and others is what stands out with this friend. Maggie spreads a little light and love wherever she goes.

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Have you ever noticed geese as they wing their way through the skies? With the exception of those who found their ways to our dinner tables, these gracious birds continue to form notable “V’s” while in flight. Have you wondered why geese fly in that formation? Scientists have discovered that the flapping of their wings creates an uplift for the bird directly behind. By flying in the “V” the flock gains 71 percent greater flying range than would otherwise be possible with each bird flying on its own.

When a goose slips out of formation a sudden drag discourages the bird from trying to “go it alone.” He quickly gets back in line where he gains the “lift” once again. When the lead goose gets tired he rotates back in the “V” while another flies point. The honking you hear is from the geese in the rear who encourage those in the lead to keep up their speed.

When a goose falls sick or wounded, two others leave the formation and follow him or her down to help. They stay to protect that goose until the bird is either able to fly again, or dies. Then, the helping geese launch out on their own or join another formation until they are able to catch up with their original group.

Nature is a great teacher. We who share a common direction, finding and following the footsteps of Christ will reach our goal quicker and easier if we travel on the thrust of one another.

As thinking human beings, it should be easier for us to help each other than it is for those within the animal kingdom, motivated by instinct only. Yet, as individuals, sometime the determination to succeed, or to gain recognition, sees us “flying” alone.

Still, deep within there lies an instinct to help the “wounded other.” We see it in the hospitals, in our churches and sometimes on the street. No doubt that was the force that motivated a father of five in New York City, which will forever stick in my mind. He jumped in front of a train in order to save an old man.

On the other hand, we thinking humans often do a masterful job of suppressing that helping urge. We can find ways to appease our consciences, like, “I am late already . . . too many “balls in the air, here.”

The challenge today is to reflect on how we relate to people who are hurting. They are all around us. Always, we think of people who need food at this time of year. Another direction to consider are the people in our community who are lonely—those in nursing homes or home-bound, long term. These are hard roads to walk. And, stepping alongside means we will be taking on some of their pain. It is so much easier to stay in our comfort zone.

Yet, how can we forget the words of our Lord: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and you came to visit me … I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.”

All are made in the image of God. Is it not amazing to contemplate that a visit to an elderly person, a card to a person who is suffering, or helping someone less fortunate will reach the very heart of God? Following the footsteps of Christ rarely finds us on “easy street”—at least not for long. It is far from easy, considering the needs of another who lives with a lot of pain, whether by illness, grief, or homelessness. Yet, offering a smile with a silent prayer says, “I care,” when nothing else can be done.

When we go to the side of those who are wounded—those who are sinking—it must be with an ear open to God’s Spirit within. Otherwise we may lack the wisdom to know when to stop our energetic flapping, our efforts to bring them back into line. Surely, it is a listening, waiting presence that allows another’s thoughts and feelings to be fully heard.

From those who have gone before us, we have received the gift of strength. We are called to faithfully carry the weight of that strength so as to uplift one another. It is not enough to soar on our own.

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in 32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page of this site, Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view–FREE–her children’s book as a YouTube titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.