I have been picking a variety of berries, which I love, but it is a lot of work. As I picked, I noticed that many of the berries were clearly visible, but if I changed my perspective, bent over, and looked from underneath, I discovered many more.

It got me thinking that finding berries is like helping people. When I first see a bush, some berries stand out, which I quickly pick and put in my bucket. But if I look from below or move some leaves, I discover a lot more berries hiding.

Like those berries, we can easily see some people’s needs: a coworker having a bad day, a sick friend, a grocery-toting stranger trying to open a door. Hopefully, we recognize these needs and act quickly to meet them. But what about that friend who never complains yet is quietly falling apart and giving up? Or the one who lashes out in anger because their inner wounds are overwhelming.

Finding these hidden needs requires more time and effort. Sometimes we need to change our perspective, look deeper, and move some leaves to discover what’s hiding beneath the surface. The berries are ripe for the picking, and there is great reward for those who make the effort. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37 “. . .  The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” When we take the time to really listen to others, pray with them, and offer support and encouragement, we can make a profound difference in their lives.

The berries and the people are ready for harvest. Sometimes we simply need to adjust our view and look a little closer.