There’s a part of me—the self—that says, “I have my own problems. I don’t have time for someone else’s struggles.”
Sometimes in AA, I raise my hand when they ask who’s available to sponsor, and I cringe as I make myself available to the newcomer. Secretly, I’m thinking, “Please don’t let one of these dumb-dumbs notice me or ask me to sponsor them.”
There’s my selfishness: “Yeah, I can sponsor, but I really don’t want the responsibility. I don’t want to give up my time to help another struggling addict or alcoholic.”
Then the “dumb-dumb,” as I’ve so generously called him, walks over and says, “Hello, my name is so-and-so. Will you sponsor me?”
And I can almost hear God saying, “Now it’s your turn, dummy. Say yes. Buy him a Big Book. Exchange numbers. Put your arm around him. Give him a hug. Tell him, ‘I will help you.’”
Then I drive off thinking, “Well, you’ve done it now. How will you ever find time for him?”
And then God does something miraculous. He gives me time, compassion, and love to share with this guy—the very things I was certain I didn’t have enough of.
It’s as though God says, “Open your heart, and I’ll make it bigger. Give me your time, and I’ll show you where there’s room.”
The day still has twenty-four hours, but somehow, there’s enough. I make the call. I meet him for coffee. I listen. And somewhere along the way, I realize I need him as much as he needs me.
God makes us stronger when we lift others up.
How much of our lives—and our thinking—revolves around our own worries and perceived problems? So much of this subtle self-absorption is rooted in self: my troubles, my schedule, my comfort, my time.
Yet when we step outside ourselves to serve someone else, we strengthen our relationship with God. It amazes me that in a life I’ve convinced myself is already too full, there’s still room for another person.
How is it that when I think I have no time, helping someone else reveals that I do?
The path to peace is found in purpose—and service gives us purpose. Our own struggles still matter, but they don’t have to occupy every corner of our hearts. Someone else is struggling, too. Sometimes, what they need most is a person willing to say, “I will help you.”
“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” — Matthew 19:30
Seek out those who need God—or who need you—the most. You may discover that the person you were reluctant to help is the very person God uses to help you.
