"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.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster', I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world." (Fred Rogers)
Yesterday in Primary, I had a sweet experience with a little Sunbeam-aged boy. He is a member of a family that loves him but Mom and Dad are either divorced or divorcing. At any rate, he is in our ward pretty much every other week, and his Dad brings him to Primary. I have loved watching the very apparent love between this dad and son, but ached as I saw how hard it is for this little guy to let his Daddy leave him. And I understand. At least I think I do. This is a sweet, tender little boy whose dad and mom don't live together anymore and he doesn't see his Daddy daily like he is used to doing. How difficult that has to be for a 3 year old to understand.
Anyway, Dad was trying hard to extricate himself and leave his son in Primary and the little boy was resisting. So I went over to sit near them and when Dad got up again, I told him I'd take good care of the little boy and asked the little one if it was OK if he sat on my lap. He did -- cuddled right in and sat the whole Sharing Time with my arms around him. I loved every second of it -- there's nothing I don't like about a good cuddle, that's for sure. And I loved feeling that maybe I was helping this sweet, precious little boy feel loved and more secure in our Primary.
I talked with his Dad in the hallway after he went (willingly) off to class with his teachers, and his Dad thanked me for caring about his son. Even as I write, I'm feeling the same love I felt yesterday just wash over me again -- and for me, it was such a gift to be able to be part of loving a little boy whose life has changed. What a precious half hour that was to me. I'm hoping I can be one of Mr. Rogers' helpers, because I care. I care a lot.
And it hit me last night that as I love and cherish this precious little boy who needs it so badly right now, I'm doing exactly what the Savior would have done if He were here. Maybe I am a helper. His helper.
9 comments:
Jan- I think half the time I read your blog I need to have tissues close by. What a sweet experience you had yesterday! Thank you for sharing it. I hope I can be one of His helpers too. Thanks for the reminder.
I hope my kids are blessed enough to have people around them like you. What a priceless gift.
beautiful, mama! i have tears in my eyes. thanks for that.
I adore that little guy--that was a wonderful thing you did for him and his Dad...He is lucky to have someone who acres about him so much (and I LOVE that quote--that's the way I need to see things ;)
You are such a great Helper! I love how kind you are to little children. It is an amazing gift. Natalie and I's friend Angie was here today and she just thinks you are the sweetest thing ever.:)
Ah, I love Angie! She is such a sweetheart and I had forgotten that you and Natie share her as a friend. She's wonderful. What a fun visit you must have had!!
You are definitely a helper. :) When our hands become as His hands, our hearts are as His heart as well. Service, and help for our fellow man is right where the Savior wants us to be. :) I love reading your blog!
I saw you there holding that little guy and was thankful he had you there to comfort him. It was precious. You are very soothing for the kids, Jan, and for me!
Shelley -- loved your comment about our hearts becoming His hearts as well. Thank you!
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