Picked Him Up

As you may know our first grandson Taylor was born at 5 months and 23 days. He was in ICU with 100% oxygen for about 4 months. As a result he developed cerebral palsy which hindered his walking and speech. About two years later his younger brother Walker was born perfectly normal and on time. I remember well when Walker and Taylor were both upstairs but Taylor was afraid to walk down the stairs. His younger brother Walker explained to him to sit on his bottom and scoot down step by step. This was only the beginning of Walker's care for his older brother. He would later stay with him while his parents worked; prepared his food; or pick him up and carry him if necessary.
   
I am reminded in Romans 16 where Paul lists a number of people who "picked him up" at various times. He mentioned Phoebe who served him (v. 2); Priscilla and Acquila, his co- workers (v. 3); Rufus's mother, who had been like a mother to him as well (v. 13) and Gaius, who showed him hospitality (v. 23). They encouraged him, met his needs and prayed for him. We all need such friends who will pick us up.
 
 "Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are also doing ." ( I Thess. 5:11)