Thank You

I was really moved by this video from Japan. The sincerity of the people, the simple message, and the emotion touched me deeply. It also made me reflect on my past refusals of help when I didn’t want to burden someone else or I had no way to repay them. In other words, I let my pride make the decision for me.

But Japan’s choice to accept help from other nations after the devastation by the tsunami eleven months ago empowered them to turn a tragic story into one of hope and healing; a success that now ripples out to all who were part of the aid effort. To me, this story is a reminder of the powerful gift that those who may feel utterly powerless have to give, even as they struggle.

Mom and I are involved in the daily tension of giving and receiving. At first glance, it seems like I am doing the former, she the latter, but it really doesn’t work that way. She may need me to help her stand up and totter over to the sink every morning, but I also need her to accept and apply my help to her own strength. If she refuses to receive the hand that I reach out to her, then neither of us accomplishes anything; but if she accepts by grasping it with her own, then her need gets met and she gives me the priceless gift of seeing her empowered to succeed. We both become givers and receivers; each humbled by our vulnerability to rejection, with the end result that she feels less alone and I feel part of her triumph. How easily the sin of pride could undermine this powerful exchange.

Arigato, Tohoku, for the poignant reminder.