Needing Others

My oldest brother, Buddy, used to race dragsters and funny cars. He was a very talented driver and, as a matter of fact, was World Champion in his class five times. He became known as one of the fastest drivers off the starting line.

Dragsters and funny car go down a quarter mile strip. They can go 200 mph or more in that quarter of a mile. To slow them down at the finish line a parachute on the back is released. Some cars have two parachutes.

The parachute is vital for the driver’s safety. And packing the parachute correctly is essential. If it is not packed right, it won’t open. For that reason most drivers pack their own parachutes.

Before Buddy got in the seat to drive, he donned a fire-proof suit, fire-proof gloves and a helmet. He then put on goggles. His peripheral vision was very restricted.

Buddy was totally dependent on others to let him know when he was lined up right before he started the race. His eyes took in what the guy in front told him to do—come forward a bit, go to the left a bit, go to the right some, back up. It was very important for him to be positioned correctly in his lane behind the starting line.

As I think of him in the seat of that dragster or funny car, totally dependent on the person in front of him to direct and guide him, I am reminded of how I want to be with the Lord. I want to be totally dependent on Him—not looking to the right nor to the left, but looking only to Him to guide and direct me.

I am also reminded that there are times in our lives when we have to rely on others–when we need them. This is harder for some than for others.

For some of us, it’s much easier to help others than to let others help us. We don’t like that feeling of helplessness or dependence.

I must confess it is hard for me to accept help. It’s much easier for me to do things for others. It’s very humbling to have to ask for help. I also don’t want to be a bother or burden to someone.

When I do need help such as when I’m sick or after surgery, I have to remind myself that it might be a blessing to others for them to have the opportunity to help me. By not wanting to ask for help, I might be robbing them of a blessing.

If you are a person who has no problem asking for help or having others help you, and find it hard to help or serve others, I suggest you make it a point to try to help someone in return. It would be a blessing to them.

We do need each other.

Each day is a gift. Accept help today if you need it. And be open to helping others.

©2020 Bev Brown—All Rights Reserved