Growing up, I was taught the value of serving and loving on people when they need a helping hand. Whether it was visiting the elderly, helping someone who was sick, or lending a hand to new parents, serving others has always been a big part of my life. Perhaps this is partly due to my faith upbringing, where loving thy neighbour was a fundamental theme.
As a busy working mom, I often find it challenging to find the time to help people and love them well. But I think it's more than just a matter of time. In our society, we've become more individualized, and we've moved away from the idea of community and the village. However, the reality is that we need each other, even if we don't realize it.
In this blog post, I want to share some ideas on how busy working moms can support others, even with limited time.
Personally, I believe this type of service is needed now more than ever. I think it's a duty if you are able, and it's not something that needs to take time away from your kids. Loving on others is a great way to teach your children empathy and kindness.
I also think at times we will need to learn to say no to some things so we can say yes to others. Learning to say no can be difficult, but sometimes it's necessary to slow down our lives and make time for helping others. By prioritizing what's important, we can make room for acts of service and bring joy to those around us.
Here are a few things you can do to reach out to someone:
Call or send a text message to let them know you're thinking of them.
Offer to watch someone else's kids, treat them like your own, and have them join you for whatever you have on that day.
Pay for a house cleaning service.
Send a low-cost gift card to a coffee shop, such as Starbucks, to brighten their day.
Offer to pick up groceries or other necessities for someone who is unable to do so themselves. You can even do this when you are already going.
Send flowers or a small gift to let someone know you're thinking of them.
Even if you can't help in the way you want to, there are still ways to show your support. For example, if someone has a new baby, and you don't have time to make them a meal, sending them a gift card for Uber Eats, so they can choose a meal they love, is just as valuable.
If money is limited, you can get a group of friends together to pull together support or a gift.
However, there may be times when you need to clear your schedule and love on people well. When my grandpa was dying, I was on maternity leave with my youngest, and he was in a hospital two hours away. I would leave my oldest in daycare with my husband in charge in Ottawa, and stay with a cousin of my husband’s in Kingston, who would watch my baby while I sat with my grandpa, and helped support him in the hospital. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I don't regret it.
P.S. There may be times when you need to say no to helping others or when you are the one in need of help. Whether you're struggling with mental health, dealing with a newborn, or dealing with chronic illness, the village works both ways. So, don't be afraid to accept help when you need it. It's a posture of strength, not weakness.
In closing, I believe that if you are able helping others is essential, and as busy working moms, we can still find ways to support and love on those around us. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, but the small things we do can make a big difference. Remember, we need each other, and we're all in this together.
Comments