Look how strong I am!
I've been thinking lately about asking for help; not ME asking for help, but how, why, when we ask for help, etc. It takes a strong person to ask for help....and it takes a strong person to NOT ask for help. Huh?
There are those of us who don't need any help. We can do it all by ourselves. We are self-sufficient. We take charge. Scarlet, for example, would rather pull down her own underwear or pull-ups when it's potty time. "No, Mom...I do my own." She doesn't want my help even though sometimes she might need it.
Though we may actually need the help, we think we will be considered weak should we actually ask for help. But it takes strength and courage to realize that we cannot do it alone and cry out for help! It's not a sign of weakness, but a humbling realization that we are only human. God wants us to cry out to Him! We need you, Abba Father. It is only going to make us stronger the more we rely on God.
And then, there are those of us who constantly ask for help. We cannot go day-to-day without needing something from someone/some place else. We rely and depend on others to motivate us, encourage us and to carry us. Sam always complains that her legs are very tired if you ask her to pick up the living room or bedroom. She "tries", but UGH, she JUST. CAN'T. DO. IT.
We will never grow if we cannot do things on our own- how does a child learn to ride a bike? She falls and gets back up again. She doesn't NEED the training wheels on, although it's comforting to have that safety net. God wants us to rely on Him, but He helps those who help themselves. We need to know that God will not give us anything more than we can't handle and it's the truth!
Lately, I have been trying to have a kinder heart to those who keep asking for help when help is not really needed. Those are the ones who need Christ. And I have been trying to pray more for those who constantly decline help. They are also the ones who need Christ.
It's a growing experience for me, discerning the difference between asking and not asking. Oh, I still have a long way to go, but as long as I keep my focus on God, well, who's to say that I won't get there soon enough?
1 comment:
San,
We had a discussion regarding this topic in my class on Thursday. We were talking about how others interact with each other and what is the best way to interact. The main categories were interdependent, independent, codependent, and dependent. Everyone agreed that interdependence is the best interaction route and leads to success. I really like this post as it is very applicable to everyone. I love the way that you've raised your children and that they are all very diverse. I admire your and Bryce's parenting. You both are extremely consistent with all three of your girls and that is one of the most important qualities in parenting (I feel). Although everyone has different opinions of parenting styles, I believe that the route you've chose will develop wonderful children. I love you and I'm proud of you. Your children are truly a reflection of you and they're beautiful! :)
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