You Have What They Need

One of the early forms of conducting business is referred to as bartering. A typical form of bartering is also called trading one thing you have for a thing that another has. The continued process of exchange creates a level of health that contributes to the overall well being of our health, economy, community, family, relationships and a host of other things. When the needs of a person or group are met, the benefits should be greeted with appreciation for both the provider and the recipient.

The ability to meet another person’s need is a privilege. Today, there are so many who have needs that have not been met, while there are so many ways for it to happen. In a world that has enough for everyone, it takes a level of unselfishness to meet needs. In fact, it takes a lot of intentionality to meet needs.

Needs can be as diverse as people groups are. Some are tangible, while others are not. Some can be identified easily, while others require extensive examination. Some needs can be met quickly, while others may take a considerable amount of time. Whatever the need is, no matter how many there are, there is someone who has the ability to meet it.

Accepting the assignment to meet a need simply means we agree that it needs to be met. Everyone who says they will meet a need does not always come through. The necessary level of selflessness it takes to complete a task makes us surrender ourself to the moment and helps us realize it is not as complicated as we usually think to meet someone else’s need.

We can make our task easier by identifying what the need is and what needs to be done. The trial-and-error method may be your starting point but it does not have to be the only one. Recruiting others to engage in the process can prove to be beneficial. The real truth of the matter is that while trying to meet another’s needs, we create needs of our own to be met. It has often been said that it takes a village to raise a child and it surely does takes collaboration to get things done.

If you cooked or if you ate this holiday, be sure to say thank you. Just as sure as someone needed to eat, someone needed a person to cook for. The seamstress needs a person to wear the clothing they made. The more we continue to willingly exchange the knowledge, goods, resources, concern and care we have, the better our society and world is.

The Thanksgiving season allows us a chance to say thank you to one another, let’s take full advantage of this moment to make life better.

HHJ News