Asking for Help

We all need just a little bit of help every once in a while.  I’m the worst about asking for help.  I feel like I’m imposing.  When I get on the plane after a long day of training, I often have a tough time lifting my suitcase into the overhead bin.  That is, of course, because those bins are about 2 feet too high for those of us who are vertically challenged.  Couple that with end-of-day fatigue and I am sure I look pitiful, despite the fact that I try (and try and try) to build up my arm muscles at the gym each week.  Inevitably, some gentleman will say, “Here, let me get that for you” and I look at him with a face that says, “Thank you so much for saving me!”  I am certain he has an ulterior motive---to not get whacked on the head by my suitcase that just almost could get lifted, but not quite, into that bin above his head.  The lesser of two evils, he is likely thinking.  So, I let the 6 ft. 10 in. man lift it like it is a bag of jelly beans and toss it into the overhead compartment.  But, oh, how I hate to ask for the help. 

I’m about to have some pretty major surgery.  I won’t be able to drive for several weeks, I’m going to be in a bit of pain the first week or so, and I apparently have to “take it easy” for four to six weeks.  Yikes!!! So tough to fathom for someone who hates asking for help.  My dear, loving husband just says, in his most loving voice, “Suck it up, Buttercup.” 

Some of my favorite verses in the Bible deal with “help”, including:

Hebrews 4:16

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

1 Peter 5:7

“..casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Asking for and needing help is natural, after all.  We are not capable of doing everything or being everything.  So, why in the world is it so hard for some of us (me!) to ask for that help, even when we are more than willing to give it if anyone asks. 

I love the quote by David Allen that says “We can do anything but not everything.”  And I just saw this great picture.  




 

















I think the point is we need to admit when we need help and in our vulnerability, we might find that we can become stronger, particularly in our relationships with those who want to help us. 

One of my very favorite videos shows the power of one helping another---it just happens to be a pup helping another pup get down the stairs for the first time.  I show this when I train in districts about communication, trust and motivation.  We all deserve people in our lives who will help us in our time of need, but we have to be willing to accept that help.  Check out this VIDEO!!

Just for today, maybe we can allow someone to do something for us---something as simple as lifting something above our shorty-short heads or something as involved as helping us through a difficult time.

Happy Communicating!

Shelly

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