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I firmly believe that it is in our basic nature to be helpful.
When we see someone in our homes, families, or communities that need help, it is our natural instinct to want to reach out and lend a hand. When we help each other rise up individually we help the entire community rise up. So what is it about our societal influences that shunt our helpful natures? At what point did we get burned?
One of the the childhood jokes I remember goes like this: A kid dials 411. the operator answers and says, “Information, what listing please?” The kids says, “Hi, what time is it?” To which the operator snorts, “This is information, directory assistance, we don’t give the time. That’s a different number!” The kid shrugs and answers innocently, “Well, don’t you have a watch?”
It’s not the funniest joke in the world, but it teaches some lessons about being helpful. Are we so focused on “the task at hand” that we lose sight of what it is that our brother, neighbor, or customers really need? I urge you to take a moment to reflect on your relationships at work, school, and in your families, and try to find ways to truly be helpful.
