Stop and Help

Sometimes when I am in my office, someone may walk in and ask me to help her with a task. It may be a computer tip, which surprises me because I continue to learn new computer skills, considering myself a rookie in technology. Or she may ask for help with the large copier down the hall. Whatever the request is, I have learned to be grateful for the opportunity to help someone. So, when I leave my current task for a moment to help another, I consider the time spent to be a two-way gift; I receive as much as I give.

At the same time, it encourages me to ask for help when I need it. Many years ago, I was assisting a sister with morning cares at Saint Scholastica Convent. I felt we were doing okay when someone popped her head in the door to ask if we needed help, and I said, “No, we are okay.” Wrong choice of words; the sister I was helping said to me before the door shut, “Never say no when someone offers to help you.” The other person stayed, and with a chuckle, we finished up the one-person task. So now, depending on the situation, I am eager to say, “Yes.” Being on both sides of either giving or receiving brings me great joy.

If you would like more information about our common journey, please contact Sister Lisa Rose at lrose@csbsju.edu.

Lisa Rose, OSB

Photo: Sister Jonathan Herda (right) with one of our faithful nursing staff members, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer