Lesson in Helping

Yesterday we were walking from our spot on the Disney side of the marina towards the pavilion to take in the Shannon Tanner concert when we passed by a group gathered along the railing staring eight feet down at a floating flip flop.   I was not paying attention, but Kayden stopped me and asked if he could go get our pole to fetch the shoe.  He ran at top speed back over a quarter mile to our boat almost tripping along the way and bumped the pole on his head as he pulled it off from it's resting place.  His motive was to help and there was nothing that was gonna stop him.  Sure enough, as he was coming back, someone closer to the elusive shoe retrieved her pole and saved the day.  She overheard that Kayden was seeking our pole and realized she could do the same.  

I caught Kayden trucking back to the shoe with pole in mid trip.  He was devestated to learn the shoe was rescued by someone else after enduring so much to try to help.   However, had he not taken the initiative to try to make a difference, the other boaters wouldn't have joined in the effort and the shoe might still be floating.  Even if we do not see something through entirely and someone else intervenes, it is important to realize that we still were a part of the process to make a difference.  Even the idea to help causes beautiful reverberations.  

The important thing to realize when trying to help is that it's not always gonna work out but that's OKAY.  G is always helping others to navigate the maritime job circuit.  Maritime jobs pay well and basically anyone can get one if they are willing to take the steps to make it happen.  Over the years he has helped many, but he has learned some lessons in doing so.  If one truly seeks help, he must be willing to take the steps to make it happen; help requires work and one can not expect others to do it all for him.   Also, one must be sure that he really wants the help if he asks for it...  Do not waste another's time and efforts if one is not ready to commit.  

Help when it is RIGHT to do so (vs enabling) but let go of the outcomes... what will be will be, but caring enough to  help is what matters and will have positive effects for all involved.