Last week I wrote about a place named Strawberry, CA. My wife Kathy and I went there frequently on camping and fishing trips. Many times we would fish on the Stanislaus River, which ran through the town of Strawberry. There was a certain spot on the river that we used to frequent and along this stretch of river there was one particular spot where Kathy would always fish, and always catch Rainbow Trout. That stretch of river was a reasonable hike from the small road that wound through the area. It was probably about a 10-15 minute hike from the road to this area that we liked to fish. When we finally arrived at “Kathy’s Spot” as we called it, the path was actually about 15 feet above the river. There was a primitive, narrow, and treacherously steep path that led down to the spot. Once at the bottom, there was a large rock that jutted out from the river’s bank. The part of the rock which was out of the water was 8-9 feet tall and 6-7 feet wide. On either side of the rock there was a small area where someone could stand and fish. It was also possible to cast your line over the rock and actually lay across the top of it and let your bait float down the river. There was a slight ripple 6 feet up the stream, which turned into a deep pool just as the river met the rock. My wife is athletic and agile and was easily able to maneuver down to her favorite fishing hole. That is, until she became eight months pregnant. The problem with being eight months pregnant is that the baby bulge really affects balance. We arrived at Kathy’s spot and as she started down the hill; she suddenly stopped and told me that she didn’t know if she could do it this time or not, because of the balance issue. I looked at the situation and came up with an idea. I got in front of her, planted my feet and let her lean against me. I slowly inched my way down the path with Kathy leaning on me, which helped with her balance. It took a little while, but we made it down. Once again she rewarded me by out fishing me. The way back up the trail was similar. I stood behind her on the downhill side as she climbed her way slowly to the hilltop and the relative safety of the main trail.
How common this story is, as it relates to life. Sometimes there are things that we are good at and can usually do without any problem. Then there are those times when for one reason or another we could really use some help. This is a time when we may find it hard to ask for help or even accept help that is offered to us, because we feel like we ought to be able to do it on our own. Incredibly, we not only cheat ourselves out of well needed help, rob someone else of the rewards of the satisfaction of doing a good deed, but we also avoid an opportunity for fellowship. It reminds me of the lyrics to a song by one of my favorite contemporary artists, Mr. Bill Withers, in his song entitled “Lean on Me.” The lyrics say: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.”
Christ, of course, has done this for us. His Word also says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”- 2 Corinthians 12:10. We who know Christ have His Spirit. We are the Body of Christ. We are to be Christ to the world, since He is already resurrected to the Father. If we do not allow those who have the Spirit of God to support us in help and the fellowship and ministry of service and help, then are we not resisting God? Don’t be afraid to “lean on someone”, whenever and whoever that someone who offers their hand to you might be. You see, it’s really the hand of God. Blessings!

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