Accepting help: the alternative to doing it all

This post is the next installment in the “Symptom of Self” series…check out the other posts here

I’m fine… I’ve got it…. I’ll be okay…This is what I do.

I’ve said these lines to strangers. To friends. To family. All those who offer their help.  

Why don’t I accept their help?

I have three young children. I am pregnant with a fourth. I am sick and I am tired.  I am over-committed. I have a husband with a demanding job.

Yet I still say : I’m fine.

Why?

Because I can do it all, right? I can handle it.  I chose to have all these children. I made these commitments.  Why should I burden someone else when I can “survive”? Selfless thinking, right? wrong…

When I reject help and try to do it all in my strength, once again I’m being self-centered. My children suffer because I’m stressed and not my best self. My husband suffers because I am stretched and exhausted.  Even if I am seeking God each morning and crying out for Him to help me, I am not allowing Him to use those in my life to serve.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

 In my pride I am not accepting help. In my pride I am not allowing others an opportunity to serve. In my pride I am not allowing them the opportunity to “look out for the interests of others”.

in the marathon of motherhood...accept the refreshment others offer

photo credit: Michael Kalus

Although I’ve said “I’m fine” too many times this pregnancy, I have been brought to enough of a humbling point to say:

• yes I would love for you to bring me dinner.
• Thank you for watching my boys at the pool while I try to finish lunch (one small bite at a time).
• Of course I would love for you to pick up my son and have him come over to play.

I am a work in progress. I am unbelievably grateful that God has surrounded me with loving friends. Thoughtful family. A patient husband.  And as my belly grows and the reality of being the mom of 4 little ones draws nearer, my humility must increase.

To those who have helped me, here is a promise:  “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10

Do you struggle like I do to accept help? Have you thought about why you reject their help? The next time someone offers, when you take them up on it?

**I am linking up with “Thought Provoking Thursdays” check out other thought provoking posts here: http://somegirlswebsite.com/showing-love/2011/08/a-heart-to-heart-with-god/ **

***6 years ago today I became a mom. what a precious role. what an amazing adventure. so thankful that God has given me the one job I have always wanted.***