| Philippians 2:4 – ‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ |
My beautiful bride and I recently enjoyed a couple of days in Colorado Springs, one of our favorite places on earth, especially in July!
We booked a room at a hotel by the airport. It was clean and perfectly adequate for our two days exploring the area. Customer service, however, could have used a helpful seminar.
After arriving at the hotel, I asked the young lady working the front desk for our water bottles which we usually receive upon checking into this hotel chain (it’s a great deal…if you stay with them long enough, they reward you with water.) I was informed that only “Platinum” members at this property received free hydration. I wasn’t a “Platinum” member, so I would remain thirsty.
No big deal.
So, I asked if I could purchase two water bottles. This also received a negating nod. “We’re out of water bottles and won’t receive any more until tomorrow.”
We weren’t off to a great start.
So, I pursued a third alternative. “Ok, I’ll just buy a couple of Diet Cokes from the refrigerator” which sat off to the side watching in bewilderment. This time she nodded affirmingly, sending the message that we were making progress.
I grabbed two Diet Cokes and handed them to her to pay out.
Oops. We hit another brick wall. She responded, “I can’t. You must use the self-checkout.” As she took a sip of her water bottle, she pointed down to the register in the corner.
I took a deep breath, used the self-checkout, grabbed our Diet Cokes, and headed for the elevator.
As I was walking back by her computer screen, she habitually uttered, “If you need help with anything, let me know.”
I thanked her, pretending like Suzanne was watching so I’d keep my mouth closed. Wives have that superpower.
But in the elevator, I asked myself, “Does she really mean that? If you need help with anything, let me know?” Surely, she realizes how that sounds.
I asked for water. Not happening.
I offered to purchase water. Maybe tomorrow.
I asked for her to “ring up” my Diet Cokes. That’s not how we operate.
But if you need help with anything, let me know.
I did. Three times.
And it was a thrice “no.”
I don’t blame this young lady. I’m sure it’s company policy and she was blindly following the protocol.
But I do wonder—how often do we do this in the family of God? Do we regularly offer, “If you need help with anything, let us know,” when others have already told us through their demeanor, situation, or even words, exactly what they need?
Remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan? The Samaritan saw what needed to be done so he did it. That’s called “compassion.” Compassion is more than kindness. Compassion is seeing a need and doing something to help. Jesus said to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10: 37) because compassion matters.
What if the Good Samaritan had simply shouted from the road to the poor soul lying in the ditch, “If you need help with anything, let me know?” Of course he needed help with something. He needed to be bandaged from his wounds. He needed a place to stay. He needed a friend. He needed to matter.
Everyone needs help with something. Sometimes it’s serious and sometimes it’s standard, but it’s always significant.
And most of the time, it’s not hard to see when, where, or why. We just have to keep our eyes and our hearts open.
So, the next time you say, “If you need help with anything, let me know”, ask yourself, “Do I really mean that?” If you do, prove it. If you don’t, choose another line.
- Jacob Hawk
