storing up "thank yous"

I am tiiiiired, but I'm going to post today, because it will be good for my mental health. I babysat my niece (7 months) and nephew (6 years) today. They are very sweet kids, but it ended up being a crabby day for both.

I'm a do-er. I can't see someone I love in need and not start doing stuff for them. I always wish I could do more. I kind of wish others would do more, but it's my natural inclination to pick up the slack for others. I try not to judge others for their lack of involvement; I understand that I have no immunity to the need-to-please bug. However, it's hard for me to relate to people because of this. I can't understand how some people sleep at night when their child/sister/friend is sick and crying out for help. It hurts me to see a need unfulfilled in someone I love, to know I can't do any more than I am doing, and to see others who are in a position to help just turn away.

I also don't understand helping only on the helper's terms. Yes, I understand we all need to set boundaries for ourselves, and I'm learning to do that - to not do so much for others that I neglect my own needs. But there was this Jesus dude* who said something about giving away not only your coat, but your shirt, too, when someone just asks for your coat. I take that to mean I should be okay giving up my own comforts when someone is in need. Why do other Christians miss this one? Or a better question - why do I, of all people, interpret it this way? Is it just me? I don't understand this selfishness. I'm not saying that to praise myself. I truly don't have a place in my brain that recognizes the desire to say, "No, I won't help you the way you want me to because I'd rather XYZ." I have a conscience that would kick myself in the face if I said that.

Since I'm saying a lot of weird things today, I'll add this - I usually am okay with complements. I mean, I can at least accept them with a sprinkle of grace. I've been having a hard time with this lately, mainly because lately people have been praising me for helping others. I'm totally not okay with this. While it feels really good to know that others think I'm nice, I don't feel comfortable accepting praise for helping others. In some strange way I feel it takes something away from the one in need - I'd rather people recognize the NEED instead of the fulfillment of it. Also, I don't know what to do with all the "thank yous". I think I'll stick them in a sack so when I'm feeling unappreciated (it's usually the small, day-to-day stuff that I feel unappreciated for, but don't we all?), I can just pull them out. :D

*I try to avoid the political and religious stuff. It doesn't always happen, though. My apologies.