How many times have I heard that in my lifetime? I can’t even count them. Most recently was the other night as I was struggling to carry a rolled up full-size oriental rug down the street to my apartment. In the rain. By myself. The question came from a guy across the street who looked like he was on his way home from work. My automatic reaction, as I almost always do: a smile and a chipper “No thanks! I think I’ve got it!” From the way I felt (and must have looked) lugging the dead weight of the area rug I was not ok and definitely could have used the help. I realized this about two steps later when it was too late. I eventually did get the rug all the way up to my upstairs apartment, panting and weak (my upper-body strength is limited to about 2.5 push-ups after a bowl full of wheaties). And I did it all by myself. But what I missed out on was the chance to meet someone new and the opportunity to say and really really mean something that I say far too infrequently to God and to all the people in my life.
Thank you.
So next time I’m in that sort of situation I am going to try to remember to pause, realize that yes, I could use some help and that I don’t have to do it all myself. And it might just present an opportunity for real thankfulness on my part and a chance for someone else to be truly generous.
I know I know! Just like the baggers at Safeway. They always ask, “Do you need a hand with that?” I always say, “Nope, I think I’ve got it,” as I lug Jude, dangle Freyja behind me, and try to move the mountain of groceries on wheels.
I’m saying “yes” next time.
I have learned to say “that would be great” because I have struggled one too many times to hold the door open as I try to herd three children, an oversized stroller, and all my purchases through a door that hardly fits a normal sized person let alone five. When people ask, they are actually wanting to help.
And we really do end up blessing them, by allowing them to bless us. What a lot of blessing :)