Who's on your ladder?

The week of Thanksgiving I had a couple extra days off.  The bedroom needed a new coat of paint so out came the paint, brushes, plastics to protect stuff, and that all important ladder to help reach the top of the walls. It didn't take long for Toki and Coal to come find out what was going on. Coal got bored quickly but Toki wanted to be there, just to keep an eye on things. Based on the blog title, you have probably guessed that the best place from which to watch was high up on the ladder.

Except for those times when I needed to use the ladder, it was a great place for her to be because I knew she wasn't underfoot or leaning her little body against the wet paint. Granted, those times when I made her get off she kept an eye on the ladder for an opening to get back on, but she patiently waited and didn't leave the room. She didn't say anything, she was just there keeping me company and listening when I talked to her. She didn't help with the painting, and in fact got in the way a few times, but her presence did make a tiresome job a little bit brighter. 

As I pondered her "assistance" I thought about the many people who have been there for me. Not sitting on a ladder staring at my every move of course, but just being there. Many times when I have had to do something I didn't really want to do, or I was going through a difficult time in my life, there was a friend or two willing to just hang around with me. Step in with the work if that is what I needed, sit and chat for awhile, or just lend me their ear so I could talk it out myself.

I'm reminded that when I know someone is struggling a bit with life, I just need to be there for them. They probably don't need my mouth as much as they need my ears so I don't need to be concerned that I don't know what to say, and if I can help with whatever is going on that's great, but if I can't just my presence may be encouraging. I think I'm going to try and keep an eye out for those God given opportunities to help someone else along the way, whether it's by jumping in to help get a job done or just quietly staying by their side. I hope you'll look for those opportunities as well.