Simple Things That Make Life Easier…

Simple Things That Make Life Easier…

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” *

Have you ever tried putting on a pair of compression socks? You know, those incredibly tight socks that are designed to push fluids upwards from the toes and to help the flow of circulation? The only problem is that they are nearly impossible to put on!

The first time that Al used compression socks, he had difficulty with them and asked if I would help. We worked together on one sock for several minutes without getting anywhere and after a good laugh, finally decided to quit. It just wasn’t worth the time and energy.

 We tried again later though, because they were recommended to keep the swelling down after his ankle surgery. This time we used baby powder on his feet to help the socks slide on. But instead of sliding, they clung to his feet. How to get them on?

Finally, someone showed Al how to use a “sock aid”—a plastic gadget shaped like a half tube with two rope handles attached to one end. First, he had to get the sock onto the gadget. Then after putting his powdered foot into the tube and pulling upwards using the two rope handles, the sock aid would slide out fairly easily, with the tight sock on his foot. Success!

With his left arm in a sling after shoulder surgery, he needed my help in putting on the compression socks once again. It has taken quite a team effort; however, the sock aid is one invention that has made life easier for us.

Oh, and then there’s the shoe horn! First the socks, then the shoes! An old wooden shoehorn has been a handy tool in helping Al put on his slippers and shoes. He’ll be happy when the sling comes off—not only for the discomfort it causes, but also because now that his arm is feeling better, he sure would like to get back to using it!

Many simple objects and tools make life easier for us, don’t they? There are also those acts of kindness performed by others that make our lives easier, such as the helping hand given to me recently in our neighborhood grocery store.

In spite of the fact that it had been a busy day, I had taken a supposedly quick trip to the market just before dinner time. After filling up the cart, I stood in a line of people waiting to go to a self-checkout station, the only option available at that particular store.

Being new to the procedure, I anticipated that it would take at least a half hour to check and bag my own groceries and commented to the woman ahead of me that it would be nice to have a couch to lie down on! Just then a clerk from another department came up to me and said, “You’ve been standing patiently in line. Come on, I’ll take you.”

Much to my surprise, she wheeled the cart over to her department, called another clerk to help with the bagging and in about ten minutes had completed the whole process.

“There you go!” she said.

I told both employees how much I appreciated their act of kindness. What a boost they had given to a tired lady! That meant so much to me!

Other things that make life easier? The wisdom, guidance, instruction, comfort and strength gained from reading the Bible every day have certainly helped me. Truly, God’s word has been “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

Our lives were meant to be lived in harmony with and in dependence upon God. He offers to carry our burdens as we come to Him, giving us peace in the place of anxiety. What an amazing offer from our God who loves us unconditionally and who is constantly reaching out to us!

There are also many opportunities for us to help others as well. We don’t hear much about the Golden Rule these days; however, most of us grew up with the teaching “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.” (KJV). If each person made an effort to live by the Golden Rule, what a difference it would make in our world. A simple rule really, but one that makes life easier. Let’s do it!

*Matthew 7:12 NIV