A Neighbor and A Chainsaw

A good deed gone awry.

This isn't just a saying. This can actually happen.

I witnessed this firsthand yesterday.

Well, firsthand is a slight exaggeration. I didn't actually see it happen. But let's just say that a few minutes after the good deed I saw my husband's worried expression.

You see he was cutting down a neighbor's tree. Yes, with a chainsaw. No, he does not claim to be an expert tree cutter. But he does own the only chainsaw in the neighborhood. And he is willing to use it.

I'd describe him as a neighborly guy prone to good deeds. 

Suffice it to say, as the neighbor's tree was being cut it did not fall in the planned direction. The neighbor then rushed to push the tree from falling on his trampoline. That is the exact moment that his shin made contact with the chainsaw.

Being helpful comes with it's risks.

As a rule it's worth it. In fact I would say it's better to err on the side of being helpful rather than not at all. Go the extra mile.

The problem is most of us like to think about being helpful rather than actively helping. I know that's true for me. I think about something I should do but then never actually get around to doing it. Because it takes effort. Time. Commitment. Giving up of myself.

There's a real tendency to stay stuck in complacency.

I also can swing in the complete opposite direction feeling crushed by the magnitude of the world's needs. I can't help everyone. Problems seem overwhelming. There's too many obstacles.

I can't help the starving children in Africa.

I can't save the refugees fleeing Isis.

I'm no Mother Teresa.

That's true.

So let's follow my husband's example. Lend a helping hand to those in close proximity. Contribute to the well-being of others in a small way.

Start with your neighbor.

My advice would be to leave your chainsaw at home.