Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Have you ever had the feeling it would be a bad day, even before your feet touched the floor? Having overslept, I was already running behind for my dentist’s appointment two hours away in Houston. And my sweet little SUV that drove like a dream? It was in the shop, so I’d be wrangling my husband Jeff’s gigantic new pickup truck. Frazzled from fighting traffic, I wheeled into the parking space at a crooked angle—fine in the front but too close to the rear of the car next to me. I prayed it would be a clunker. Not even close. I’d shimmied up next to a shiny new Mercedes Benz.
Jesus, please let that Mercedes be gone when I’m done, I prayed. But when I returned to the parking lot, it was still there. I climbed into Jeff’s truck, started it up, then turned off the engine, convinced if I tried to back up, I’d scrape the truck and the Mercedes. I had no choice. I’d have to ask for help, my least favorite thing to do ever.
I went back up to the dentist’s office and explained my situation to the receptionist. Just then a policeman came to the checkout. “I bet Jason will help you,” she said. Cringing, I told Jason what I needed, and he said he’d be glad to help me. I handed him the keys and he expertly backed out the truck, without scraping the car.
“How can I thank you?” I asked. “May I pay you?” He shook his head and said, “It’s always my pleasure to help someone, ma’am.” I felt a nudge from Jesus. Like Jason, I delighted in helping. Was I depriving others of that joy by not asking for help myself?
Faith Step: Ask Jesus to teach you how to ask for help.