How to Help in Simple Ways – Umbrella and A Smile ~ Week 2

I’ve determined to step outside my little world once a week. I’ve purposed to go somewhere besides my home and help someone.

Last week we had two full days of rain. It actually ended up setting a new record for our area. At first I thought about scrapping my idea to help. But I thought no, I can’t make excuses. Just because it’s raining cats and dogs does not mean I can’t go somewhere and help someone.

So I set out for my task. Small and simple. I headed to my local Walmart. I armed myself with only 2 things. An umbrella and a smile.

My son decided to join me for the adventure. He told me he was nervous about this. But I said how difficult can it be? We’re just offering help. Plain and simple.

I simply parked myself outside the door and offered to walk people to their cars with the covering of my umbrella. A few turned me down. But a few did not. I walked them to the car and helped them load up their groceries.

I got several comments. One woman asked if I didn’t have any thing better to do than stand outside Walmart. I told her indeed I did but I was making a choice to be here and help. She thanked me.

Another woman told me that this proved to her that there are still good people in this world. That made me smile inside.

I got to help some people that day in seemingly insignificant ways. Yet from that one comment it made me think maybe she was losing her faith in people. Maybe that one action restored some hope for her. I’ll never know.

What I learned this week:

1. It doesn’t take much to help someone else. This just proved it to me.

2. Simple actions can make a huge impact.

3. In every situation there is a way to help someone else. (Even despite record rainfall.)

Every week I am challenging myself to step out and do something. If you want to check out my adventures so far check these links.

Week 1: Why I take This Journey Beyond Shallow – Going Deeper

Week 2: I headed to the Nursing Home Stepping Out

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to join me I’d love to have a partner in reaching out.

It’s simple. Pick a place. Pick a time. Pick people. Go help in some way.

Love and blessings to you all!

Melanie