If there is anything I can do for you just let me know

This statement is something that my wife and I have heard a lot of. I know I myself have said it to other people with honorable intentions. But do we really mean it?

I had a conversation with a teacher of mine who we had a great time of fellowship. I was still grieving over our miscarriage and his wife had a very sudden accident, she had slipped and hit her head, She was pretty banged up and many times he thought he could loose her. Head injuries are very serious. Thankfully, last I have heard she is doing well and recovering, her vision came back and she is more concerned about her hair for a Wedding that is coming up.

Anyway, we were talking about how we had both heard this statement about people saying "hey, if there's anything I can do for you just let me know". His thoughts on this idea was how empty it was. It reminded me of how people say "hey I'm praying for you" Do you actually pray for them? or do you just say that cause it's what you say in situations. I am guilty of this at times, and I now I am very cautious with it when I say it now. It's something we as Christians shouldn't take lightly. okay back on topic,

*Let me point out that I am not talking about anyone in particular and in my situation. This has been brought to my attention and I am guilty of it. So I'm kinda talking to myself. *

okay, So my teacher isn't the kind of guy who is just going to start ordering people around; do this for me and do that. He did have a girl, who was a friend of his daughter do something. One morning he had to take his wife in for another surgery which started at the crack of dawn. Well this girl decided that if their family is going to be up early, I need to do something for them. She went out and bought all sorts of pastries, donuts and big urn/type thing full of freshly made coffee, with an assortments of creams and sugar and brought it to their house before they would leave. My teacher was touched. It turned out he didn't need all of that and the girl said take it to the hospital I'm sure there are others there who could use a snack or the coffee. My teacher did end up needing the coffee though.

As my teacher and I shared our stories we found that when people have troubles and situations we need to act. I don't doubt that the people who said this to me weren't sincere, I'm sure if i had asked anyone in my church to do anything for me they probably would. I think though it would be easier on the person for us to go to them and find something they need and do it, or give examples of what we can do for them so they don't have to feel like they are taking advantage of you.

I think we also should let people be a blessing to us. We should never hinder some one who feels led by the Lord to provide something for us. Maybe you don't mind mowing your lawn and it helps you to get your mind off of things, but if some one asks I think we should be willing to let them help us.

Anyway I felt like blogging on this topic because it has taught me to look at things differently now. Maybe it has opened up some minds of others, or maybe I have offended everyone who reads my blog??? Guess we will see what is said in the comments, let me know what you think!