help is a good thing
I am feeling very introspective today and that always leaves me itching to write. I have several ideas moving around in my brain but none of them are complete thoughts like they normally are.
My babies are both officially a year older and two of my siblings are getting married and a precious family member is sick and the world is a lost disaster but here I am, in the midst of my very little and very crazy life, drinking sparkling water and keeping an eye on the baby monitor and watching my now three-year-old twirl in her princess dress while wondering when to start dinner.
It has never failed to amaze me how life just… goes on. There are the big happenings and hardships but also the million little, simple things that must continue to be done as well. I’ve never been a good compartmentalizer. I either feel everything at once or I shut down, so I feel nothing.
It reminds me that I am so very human. It is impossible to shoulder everything in life all the time. We aren’t capable of dealing with everything that comes into our lives, especially in the seasons where it feels like the balls we are juggling have multiplied overnight.
Two very important things to remember when life seems to be like this:
1. Asking for help when you need it
When life becomes too much, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people in your life who love you and will be happy to come alongside you and lighten your load! As I read recently, trying to “do it all” isn’t powerful, it’s prideful. Surrender your desire to be seen as the one who has it all together (because no one does!) and list out the areas you need some help in this season. It won’t always be like this, and there is absolutely no shame in asking for a hand.
2. Being helpful when you can
The best part of receiving help is that you can then give it back to others. Pray that God would give you someone in your life that you can reach out to and offer help. I know I see plenty of people on my newsfeed or in church who are sharing their hardships and asking for prayer. Whether it be a listening ear, free childcare, grocery help, or just encouragement—everyone needs something. Ask God to bring someone to mind this week that you can be a blessing to. One of the most beautiful parts of life is giving freely to others in their need, and not asking for anything in return. As Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”