So let’s walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:16 (MSG)
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.
Slowing down can bring clarity
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.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Make a list of all those you want to be sure to tell you love
- Keep track of how often you let them know you love and honor them
Slowing down can lift the weight of responsibility
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. When I remember that others really want to help me, it provides a sense of shared responsibility. This is particularly important if you are caregiver. Let others help you. You don’t have to do it alone.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Make a list of to-do’s
- Decide which ones could be delegated
Slowing down can help you see that others are willing to help
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.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Follow through to ask for help (from the list made in the last section)
- Think of how much this will mean to the one you ask to help you
- Prepare a thank you note ahead of time honoring their willingness and unselfishness in helping you
How about you? How are you going to slow down and ask for help?
It is a wonderful way to show you love someone.
Prayer
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.
Click here to read the rest of the #Write28Days series.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
Sometimes it’s hard to slow down and ask for help, but that’s just what we need to do. We can’t do it all, and I’m sure there are others who would love to help. Blessings to you, dear Karen!
Gayl,
That is so very true that we need help. I am not sure I will ever get caught up. You are encouraging so much Gayl with your faithful posting even when I am not reciprocating…. I plan to do more of that as I return home next week. Blessings to you too!
Karen
Slowing down isn’t always easy, but it’s almost always profitable. Thanks for the encouragement to slow down.
It’s hard to ask for help. This is a good reminder to let other’s be a part of our life, accepting help. BTW I am like you always picking off the dandelion puff balls–but it will be sometime before the dandelions bloom here in Illinois. We have snow and ice currently.
Here in Texas our weeds grow year ’round. LOL!
Thanks for stopping by, Carol. You are a blessing to me.
Karen