Slow Down and Accept the Help

We are experiencing an early spring here in North Texas. What that look like at my house is lots of dandelions and other weeds in my yard. They are emerging with a strong root system and fun puff balls that my granddaughter loves to scatter throughout the whole yard.

This morning I felt a sense of panic grip my heart as I looked at the way the weeds seemed to be taking over. I only have 5 minutes to spare. I went out and started to pull the weeds. I was overwhelmed with how much needed to be done. Then I felt a cool breeze.

I made the decision to slow down and ask for help. As I said a prayer I felt a surge of purpose in picking one small patch and making that one area weed free. What a revelation! I don’t have to do it all at once.  Instead, I can celebrate every bit of progress and keep going tomorrow.

The second decision is that I can ask for advice and help. It’s as simple as going to weed and feed store to ask for the best weed control lawn food. Then I can ask the guy who mows my lawn to apply it properly.

The decision to fully enjoy every part of the process focuses in on what’s important. Be intentional and clear about expressing your love and appreciation to those closest to you. Just pausing for a few minutes to take a break to enjoy the cool breeze was refreshing to my body and my spirit.

There is a part of me that enjoys getting things done. I could be what you would call a workaholic at times. My focus streamlines to the end result and leaves out the people around me. I become curt and defensive.

I avoid being a martyr when I openly ask for help instead of hinting around about it. Open and clear communication of what I need is a gift to those who love me and want to serve me. I am still going to clip as many of the puff balls on the dandelions as I can. For the flowers, I am happy to let the bees enjoy them for a few more weeks as it get to them gradually and steadily.

How about you? How are you going to slow down and ask for help?

It is a wonderful way to show you love someone.

Father, forgive me for trying so hard to do it all on my own. Underneath all the defenses of trying to do things my way I can say that I truly want to come boldly to You. I lay aside all my self efforts and relax into the purposes You have for my life. It may not look like what I thought it would, yet I will rest in what You have planned for me and trust, with hope, that is good.  Teach me your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.