Was I a Blessing to Someone Today?

One of my personal growth goals a few years back was to leave anyone whose path I cross doing a litter better for having met me. I t might be just a kind word or a simple smile, but it would be something it elevate their existence. On the way to working at the State Park this weekend I was praying, “Lord help me to be a blessing to someone”. Simple enough. As I rounded the last curve before going into the park I saw some sparrows flitting along the roadside as the often do. This time one of them got to close and ended up smacking into the front corner of my car. Not a good start I thought. I saw him on the road still fluttering but I do not know if he made it. I was kinda sad about it, a then thought, “Maybe there’s a very hungry hawk who just needed a meal”. At least I could be a blessing to him? Not how I was planning to start the day though.

We spent the morning weed eating a large berm area that cannot be mowed with a mower due to Native American burial remains being in the area. It took a while but at least we got it out of the way. One of other aide decided to take a picture of us and send it to our supervisors. We got a nice kudos email of thanks for our hard work. Ok, I was being blessed, but I really hadn’t been able to help anyone else (except maybe the hawk). Later one of the camping groups came over and gave each of us something to drink. I ended up being given a couple sparkling sodas – something I really enjoy. I continued through my day. Yes, I helped a family with directions and made the park a little cleaner. But It still wasn’t what I was expecting. I guess I was fixated on being a big blessing to someone.

On the way home, I noticed that since I was given an extra soda I had not used the one that came in my lunch. I decided to take it with me in the car for the ride home. As I got to the exit on the freeway I noticed a man standing with a sign that said “Old Man Needs Help”. I usually try to keep a few dollars in my wallet for just such occasions.  This time, I was fresh out. I saw the flavored soda water that was still cold and held it out to him. “It’s all I’ve got”, I said. His face broke out in a smile and he said “thanks” as I handed it to him. The lady in front of me handed him a couple dollars. I made me think: None of the things I did today was grand or spectacular. But maybe, just maybe, they were all that was needed. Baby step, add up. Tomorrow’s another day. Who can I help next? If we all help, It can add up to big change.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 NIV