Throughout the recovery period I'm in, people have offered to drive me places, stop at the store to pick something up, let us use their larger vehicle so I would have more room to stretch out and bring us meals and more meals and more meals. My inclination is to say "Thanks, but I've got this." In fact, I have to fight really hard against saying just that. When I struggle with this, I am reminded of a conversation I had with our Alabama pastor friend. As I was declining his help, he reprimanded me "Don't y'all steal my blessing". That conversation has stuck with me these past few years as I have made a conscious effort to try and I do mean try to not decline assistance so quickly. When we decline others help, we really are stealing their blessing to us. Oh, they might be offering help because they feel they have to for whatever reason but I believe most people offer help out of love and genuine care for the other person. When we say no, it devalues them and their gift to us. It doesn't allow them to love on us as they wanted to. It doesn't allow them to bless us.
For instance,
If I had said no to our small group leader when she wanted to set up a schedule for people to bring meals while I'm laid up, we likely wouldn't have incredible food like this...
Doesn't this salad look amazing? And it tasted as good as it looked! The meals people have brought have been incredible!
If I'd have said no to my daughter in law, Heidi, when she offered to drive 15 miles both ways to pick me up for Ella's preschool program, I would've missed out on spending time with Heidi, a nice picnic lunch in the park on a gorgeous day and the opportunity to see Miss E. in her program.
Our little cutie is the second from the right. So glad I accepted and went along.
So, the next time someone offers to help you, take a chance and say yes. By not stealing their blessing, you just might feel blessed, loved and cared for in the process.
Excellent post Lori, and so true. It is frustrating when someone won't let us help. Miss E is so cute and getting so big! Where has that time gone since we had an overnight retreat and you were working on gifts for Miss E and anticipating her birth? Hopefully your mending time is drawing near and you will be ready to enjoy at least SOME of the summer on the back of that Goldwing! Take care and God bless!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Receiving graciously is part of being a grateful person.
ReplyDeleteYour pastor friend's comment was right square on. We need each other --even when we think we don't.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're soon feeling chipper again and able to get about as before.