Have you known of a family in crisis and with the best of
intentions told them, "If there is anything I can do to help, let me
know." Did that person take you up
on the offer? More times than not, the
extended offer is not taken. Why? For most of us, it is very difficult to ask
for help, even if we really need it.
To avoid missed opportunities to serve a family or
individual in need, our offers of help must be specific and targeted.
For
example:
Avoid saying: If it
would help to have a dinner brought over, just let me know.
Better stated: What
evening would be good for me to bring dinner over?
Tacking on the phrase, "just let me know" will 98%
of the time not be responded to. Telling
the individual that you will be making dinner for them,
they simply need to tell you what night to bring it alleviates to a larger
extent the uncomfortableness of the offer.
If also shows that you really mean business and will follow through.
Perhaps childcare is more of a need during the crisis. Offer a specific event or place you would
like to take their child(ren), name the date and time unless there is more flexibility
for the parent in need to give you that information.
If time is not something you can devote, then mail a card or
drop by their place with a card and include a gift card for gas, grocery, or
restaurant. The unique need will dictate
the proper gift card.
Another way to bless an individual or family in need would
be to pay for a green cleaning company to clean their home. In crisis, a family's attention narrows done
to the immediate circumstance while other tasks simply cannot be handled.
The ideas to serve are too numerous to write. Be aware and attentive to the possibilities and
then be specific in how you can help!
Would you like to do
more but…
Your lack of available time plague you when it comes to
helping people in need
Your lack of time keeps you from volunteering at the organization
you are passionate about.
Stay tune… You won't
want to miss our next post on time stealers
as we look at ways many people have been able to "get time back."
We hope this post has given you inspiring new ways to come
alongside people you know who are in crisis or great need. Let us know if this has been of help, leave a
comment!
Harmony Aromatherapy Cleaners
