Look For the Helpers…
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
—Fred Rogers
Wisdom shared to a young boy to “look for the helpers” when you see scary things in the news (or in life) can also apply to adults in times of upheaval or rapid change.
Our definition of “helpers’ might be different than a child’s, but seeking out support can be the smartest decision we ever make.
From trusted therapists, clergy, spiritual directors, wise elders, and loving friends, options abound for finding external helpers when we need them. But perhaps the greatest help of all comes from within as we listen for the guidance of our heart and soul, and the divine presence we most connect with.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” —Psalm 121:1-2
“Your treasure house is within; it contains all you’ll ever need.” —Baizhang Huaihai
Sometimes we are called on to be the helper for others—to shine our light like a lighthouse—and other times we need to reach out (or listen in silence) for the support we need. We just need to remember to look for it and trust that help will arrive.
May you be blessed with a life filled with trusted helpers and an awareness that the helper inside is always with you.
Listen…
“Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows.”
―Native American Proverb
Nature as Helper
“This world can overwhelm. But if you slow down, and sit under a tree long enough, it’ll tell you everything. And if you forget who you are, draw something. Or go walk alone. Nature remembers you.”
― Robert Redford, this wisdom is attributed to a private recording Redford made for his greatgrandchildren before he died.
For Courage
When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside,
When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen,
When one voice commands
Your whole heart,
And it is raven dark,
Steady yourself and see
That it is your own thinking
That darkens your world.
Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light,
Know that you are not alone,
And that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes,
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.
Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered.
Close your eyes.
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark
That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear.
A new confidence will come alive
To urge you towards higher ground
Where your imagination
will learn to engage difficulty
As its most rewarding threshold!
― John O’Donohue, To Bless The Space Between Us
