Reflecting on Actions

What is the most helpful thing to do for someone who has had a new baby, is grieving a loved one, is recovering from surgery, lonely or maybe house- bound?  What about someone who is discouraged or disappointed?  Having spoken to so many different people or sought to be there for others I often wonder what is the most helpful?  Sometimes appreciation was not expressed for some well-intended actions, etc...Sometimes people feel discouraged when they felt their help was not needed or they didn't help in the right way.

 I have been giving a lot of thought to what people need in their various situations.  Yes, sometimes a meal or doing chores for them is what they needed or what we thought they needed but really what they really needed was a friend to cry with, share their feelings and simply have someone be a listening ear and a loving heart. Same for a grieving friend.  They have different needs at different times and even just being there and not saying anything at all.  I am beginning to understand that assuming or guessing is no good.  It is important to come right out and ask..."How can I be there for you?"  'What would be the most helpful or loving thing I could do?"  We all deal differently with moments in life. A new mother may not need meals but simply a visit from another mother and friend or feel a little lonely being house-bound especially if they don't have a car.  Love has so many forms and faces...What do you need and how can you bless someone else?