We Are Not Alone

I had the opportunity to volunteer at ACU's graduation celebration last Friday night. It is the school's centennial year and so the party was extra big. It was a perfect night for it - the weather was gorgeous. There was a breeze, but it wasn't too windy (like it often is in west Texas). It was warm, but not too hot. So with these beautiful conditions and a free meal you'd think I was pretty content. I'm ashamed to say that wasn't the case.

With so many people participating, there were lots and lots of chairs and tables under several large tents. One of my jobs as a volunteer was to help fold the chairs up and stack them properly on the tables. Not too challenging. I helped out along with other volunteers in one tent, then moved on to the next. After we finished the second tent, I was told to go work on another tent. I went and started thinking everyone was coming in a minute. Well, I guess they all went to another location to work because I folded and folded chairs and no one came to help.

I started out feeling really good about volunteering my time. I had realized lately that my time was being spent entirely too selfishly and I needed to do something for someone else. But the longer I folded those chairs, the worse my attitude got. I kept thinking, where's everyone else? Why am I the only one doing this? I didn't sign up for this much work, especially to do all by myself! (I can't believe my perspective was so bad.) I even called JJ on his cell phone to tell him to come and pick me up. I wasn't about to slave away by myself. Thankfully, he didn't answer the phone and I got a second chance to correct my demeanor. I was almost done folding the chairs for that particular tent when a man came along and started to help me.

It was amazing how quickly my thought process changed. I reasoned, well, this will go a lot faster with 2 of us. We started talking and I was distracted from my lousy thoughts. Pretty soon, a whole group joined us and we made short work of what was left to do. When JJ called back, I told him I'd call him later so that I could make sure all the work had been done. Amazing what a little help can do.

I couldn't help but think that this is what the Lord must have had in mind when he created the church. How easily we lose perspective when we are alone and all we can perceive is a huge problem ahead. I mean, really, how bad was my situation? I was folding chairs for heaven's sake! But even the company of one more person made my task not only easier but a lot more enjoyable. How wonderful it is to have someone else along to help us carry our burdens!

If only we would turn to each other (and our Lord) more often when we need a little encouragement or a helping hand. I just picture Jesus up in heaven looking down on us and shaking his head saying, "Look around you child. Help is around every corner if you'll just ask."