“HELP!!!”

If you’ve known me for any length of time, you probably have figured out that I’m a pretty independent person who likes to get things done and do them well. For better or worse, I also have the ability to think ahead and play out situations in my head to figure out what might go wrong and how to be ready when those wrong things happen or better yet, try to prevent them. (I’m not sure if that’s a gift or simply the outcome of being a camp counselor for 6 summers and working on Res-Life staff for 3 years). Whatever the case, this is me.

With that said, there have been many moments in the last month or so that have been near torture for me as things have happened that impact me, yet over which I have ZERO control.

• Carpet doesn’t come in on time.
• Ears get infected.
• Dad ends up in the hospital hundreds of miles away. (FYI: He was out within a day and is doing fine)
• Computers get viruses.
• And yes, even crazier things.

In a few of these or other “no control” situations the last week or so, I found myself simply wishing them away. I knew I would have to ask for help and I didn’t want to bother anyone. My independent, determined self tried to figure out ways to do it on my own, to ignore it, to adapt the situation, to do whatever it took to be self-sufficient. Not only have I dealt with these types of situations lately, but many other things have required me to ask for help. For example, it’s just plain impossible to move by yourself. Sure I could have moved the boxes one car-load at a time, but have you ever tried to pick up a couch on your own? (Thankfully, my independence and determination wasn’t strong enough to drive me to try that … not that I would have a way to transport it in my little Suzuki SX4 if I had.)

In all this I am reminded of this big idea: WE NEED EACH OTHER!

God did not create us to go through life alone.

Even from the very beginning God Himself was in relationship. God, in three persons… Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, said, “Let US make man in OUR own image…” (Genesis 1:26) As he created us, He invited us into that relationship with Him, but also knew our need for relationship with other humans as he proclaimed, “It is not good for man to be alone…” (Genesis 2:18).

Again, we need each other.

We need help doing things… painting walls, packing boxes, moving furniture.

We need assistance from people who have skills, knowledge, and gifts we don’t have… doctors providing knowledge to heal, teammates fixing computer viruses.

We need relationships… to know we are valued and loved and to remind each other of the One who values and loves most.

And thankfully, God gives all we need. And when the people around us aren’t able to help, he steps in and says, “I’ll help!” And I’m pretty sure there’s nothing the God of the Universe can’t do.

So, first of all, thank you to everyone who’s helped me lately in the many ways you have.

And second, remember (and remind each other) it’s okay to need help… God made us that way… “and God saw all that He had made, and it was very good!” (Genesis 1:31)

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(On a completely different note: I used random.org to pick a random comment number and the winner for the Dayspring.com $20 giveaway is ANGEL!  Congrats!  Thanks everyone for your stories.  I loved hearing about the fun mail you received!)