Thursday, December 12, 2024
“Always Ask For Help”
I recently met with a couple who is engaged to be married. Like so many of us, they’ve been there and done that. They have far more experience with marriage than I (which is often the case for counselors and pastors), but they still want to meet to explore situations that they may not be able to figure out on their own.
Seeking help from another person is not always easy. It takes an admittance that we can’t handle everything ourselves. It doesn’t mean that we are incompetent. Instead, it means that we are actually strong enough to admit a need and be willing to learn from someone else.
I know. This probably seems like a simple message, but it’s much more complicated than one might think. For instance, how many times have I intentionally not asked for help when help is standing right next to me? Does yesterday’s trip to the grocery store still haunt me somewhat? If I would have asked one of the grocery store clerks for help, I could have saved at least 15 minutes. Silly, right? I’d love an extra 15 minutes here or there. I’m preaching to myself now.
It happens all the time. A little help or a request for assistance can go a long way, especially this time of year. Even if I think I know everything about the store or the product I’m searching for, I could still use some assistance. Even if I have more experience than the person close to me, I bet they have ideas I haven’t considered.
I should be ready to learn something new. I should be ready to ask for help. I can always learn something new, especially when I’m shopping during the Holidays. Retailers will be packed with all kinds of essential items I didn’t know I needed. The more I wander in the store, the more unplanned money I spend. If I would simply ask for help as soon as I enter the store, I would save both time and money.
Gee! It only took 55 years to figure that out! I suppose it’s better late than never.
“My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, GW translation)