This picture pretty much sums up the week a friend of mine had. 😳 Her problems started with a cough, which evolved into nausea, which led to a deep ache that continued on into an overall state of feeling lousy. The chicken soup I had made for her just didn’t seem like enough. But her next remark surprised me more than her hacking cough... she said, the worst part of the illness was realizing she waited a whole week to go to the doctor. A whole week! As it turned out, what she had would only improve with antibiotics, but even with all of her discomfort she kept hesitating to ask for help.
Which led me to ponder on this weeks post... why do we wait to ask for help??
Maybe we think we can do it ourselves or we don’t deserve the help—or are we too afraid to ask? Doing it ourselves was never the way life was supposed to be. The example the Savior provided for us was simple—He would do it! He would take the pain and the problems... He would literally do this for us because he loves us. But we somehow shame ourselves into feel unworthy and justified in denying Him this opportunity of doing everything, don’t we? I know I have felt at times I created my problems, so how can I now go to Him for help? Have you ever felt that way? Or maybe we think our problems are not as important as someone else's, therefore we “shouldn’t weary the Lord with our concerns.” But the truth is, NOTHING is too large or small for the Lord when it concerns His children. And there is a plan in place if we will simply ask for help. I’ll never forget one time my Mom came to visit me as a young mother. She asked how I was doing and I said I’m fine. She responded by saying, “I taught you better than that...stop lying.” I said I am not! “Yes you are honey, I can see it in your eyes and you are NOT fine!” She reached out and gave me a big hug and I sobbed in her loving arms.
#MothersIntuition. ♥️
1. The Lord did not give everyone all the talents or all the wisdom, skills or insight. He spread them around to His beloved children on purpose so we can share the responsibility and joy of helping each other. I have always said, “if everyone can make the pizza who will fix the cars?” The truth is some people can draw, some sew, some heal, some solve problems and some are great teachers etc.🧐 and... that is the plan! The Lord gave everyone gifts and talents and He expects us to use them to bless His children. So when we have a problem and don’t ask for help, we assume all the burden of the problem (this is where it all becomes overwhelming) and this way of thinking unfortunately deprives others of their opportunity to serve. Either getting or receiving it… we cannot minimize the joy that comes from service.
2. When we ask for help, we open a door for others to help us; then, the act of service they do for us helps them become more comfortable about asking for help themselves. It is the ultimate win-win!! 😇
3. It is true we risk the possibility of seeming vulnerable, or even being rejected when we reach out for help, but we cannot let our fears get in the way of this growth and healing. It is a risk worth taking.
This happened to me recently with my sweet husband. By being vulnerable and speaking to him about some childhood pain, it allowed me great closure and an opportunity for us to become closer! When you have the courage to ask for help you are simply a part of the plan which moves our families and communities ahead towards more compassion. This whole process is such a great blessing and that is why the Lord said in Matthew 11, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. I love this... my yoke is easy and my burden is light... isn’t that comforting? We always have Him to lean on! Life is not supposed to be as hard as we make it sometimes!
My life gets really, really busy and sometimes I have learned the need to stop and let others fill in the gaps. When I was younger it was so hard to let people do that, but I have since realized I cannot do it all alone, and I don’t want to! So now when people ask if they can help... I don’t hesitate!!! 😉
So today let’s ponder on asking for help when we need it, giving help when we are asked and looking for others’ needs that might be around us. Then “feel” the joy from the experience.
I would love to hear about your experiences of serving, or being served. And I hope you have the best day ever! #SundayMessage