Sunday Reflection: The Comfort in a Bandage

A kindergartner, of a teacher friend, walked in after school to her office (mine is next door) and told his mother that his finger hurt. It looked like a hangnail gone wrong. I asked him if he wanted a “Band-Aid”. He said yes. While he stood at attention, I wrapped the large generic bandage around his tiny finger. He was appreciative. Then I saw it in his eyes. The bandage made him feel better; it comforted him.
"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV)

As a school based social worker/liaison, I see lots of needs in the youth I serve. So often, I feel that the things I provide or do for them are bandages or temporary fixes. When I look at it that way, I feel as if what I do doesn’t help.
"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." Isaiah 25:4 (NIV)

Putting the bandage on my little kindergartner friend made me realize that the bandages we provide to anyone in need, albeit temporary, is a comfort. Most of all, the person receiving the bandage sees that someone cares. The compassion we show another could possibly be the spark that flames the fire of hope that inspires a person to take one more step forward.

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverbs 14:31 (NIV)
What we do directly or indirectly to help another person does matter--to them.
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36 (NIV)

Blessings,
Teresa

Comments

My wife would say it's like a hug. Doesn't do anything for the problem but it makes her feel better.
Betty Manousos said…
dear teresa,
have a blessed sunday!

big hugs~
Chris Desson said…
Sometimes it's the little acts of kindness that make the biggest impact. Thank you for making my day just became a little bit brighter. :)
JoJo said…
Very true. "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless beauty".
Pat Hatt said…
That is true, some relief can just help us get through
Deb Shucka said…
Thank you for this post, this week. A time when I'm tired and not certain I'm making a difference, the reminder of the power in bandaids and the loving concern they're applied with lifts my heart.
Arlee Bird said…
Every little bit helps the bigger hurt that is there. This is a good reminder.

Lee
Tossing It Out
Hi Teresa .. love the thought here .. and that little lad I bet felt miles better - and would be out fighting the zombies very soon .. and Alex' wife's thought .. we all feel better don't we ..

Cheers Hilary
I love this and I love the thought here, as Hilary said. A hug always helps too :)
Gina Gao said…
This is a great reminder! Thanks for sharing.

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Mary Aalgaard said…
Small kindness have a large affect. (or, is it effect? I never get those straight.) Either way, hugs to you.
Michael Di Gesu said…
Hi, Teresa,

The little things DO mean a lot. Even a smile to a homeless person, and asking how they are has made their day. The smile returned is usually so sincere and appreciated.
Michael Di Gesu said…
Hi, Teresa,

Yes, the little kindnesses do mean a lot. Even casting a smile to a homeless person makes their day. Their return smile says it all...

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