He asks us to be His hands

I failed to note who told this story but it struck me as a fantastic example of reaching out in a simple but powerful and timely way.

I went to hike the Lair O The Bear with the kids. With a half mile to go, we passed a dad hiking with his two kids ages ~2 and 5. The 5 year old girl was tired and complaining while her dad carried her brother. Dad was pretty clearly frustrated and out of options other than gently pleading with his daughter to take another couple of steps.

I asked my 8 year old to go back and show his daughter the leaves she had collected and to invite the girl to help collect some more on down the trail. Both girls (8 and 6) went back and compared their leaves with hers and then all three took off down the trail giggling, plucking leaves, and trying to figure out whose birthday party was next so they could send invitations. We reached the cars in what felt like 30 seconds.