On a recent hike 'n bike trail ride, I noticed a lady shuffling along in the middle of the trail as if she simply could not run another step. She looked so tired; I wished there had been something I could have done to assist her or pump her with energy.

For her body , I could have offered water. For her psyche, I could have spurred her on to keep jogging. Physically, however, I could not carry her. And certainly, I couldn't have put her on the back of my bike. I couldn't finish running for her - I could just hope for her that she would be able to finish.

If she chose, she could have collapsed right there on the trail and refused to take another step. But who would have picked her up? If she chose, she could have called someone to pick her up at the nearest trail / road intersection - a rescue. And if she chose, she could have just persevered - tired - knowing the end of her run was near.

We see people in peril, yet we cannot always help them in their struggles. We can encourage them, of course. We can listen. We can offer support for their soul or body. We can pray for them. We can hope for them. We can be kind to them. But we can't do it for them.