Thanks, But No Thanks?
I still remember it like it was yesterday. A couple of years ago I went through a pretty painful ankle and calf surgery for tendonitis. I’ll never forget the amount of pain I was in post-surgery and the amount of help I required just to eat a meal or get around my house. For two solid weeks in the very beginning, I wasn’t allowed or able to do a whole lot more than sit around with my leg elevated. A scooter might sound fun but believe me, without the use of both legs, getting around and doing anything is just not the same. Everything takes thought, time and work. Gone were the days of getting up quickly and just doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Beyond the initial two weeks of total bed-rest, it still wasn’t easy. Between not being able to drive, being a mom and wife, and not being able to do anything at all easily, I needed a lot of help and support with all of my everyday tasks for months. I was in a cast and then a boot – unable to walk. Relegated to a knee scooter or crutches, I never realized how much I took the simple act of walking and getting around for granted. Having the use of only one leg was difficult.
All in all, it was a rather brutal period in my life. Lasting for almost an entire year after everything was said and done, today I am so happy it’s all behind me. My procedure and its aftermath taught me a lot about patience, dependence and taking care of myself. Mostly, it taught me a huge and valuable lesson about letting others help me, whether I wanted them to or not. During my ordeal I just couldn’t get the idea of asking for and accepting help out of my mind. I think It’s something many of us struggle with. I know I have and still sometimes do. My situation clearly meant I required a ton of help and assistance, but truth be told, help is not something I generally want, demand or request. Yet, I concluded fast that it didn’t matter what I wanted. It was something I NEEDED.
At the time, I remember feeling like a burden but looking back it was nothing short of a blessing and I’m so grateful I have tons of people who wanted to make my life easier. It was amazing to have all that help, but I also knew there was no other way. I didn’t have a choice. In speaking to a friend about this, she reminded me how not asking for or refusing offers of help, especially when needed, can be selfish and prideful on our part. By not allowing others to help us, we can actually be withholding from them, the ability to be a blessing. That’s unfair to God, to the person trying to step up to help and, of course, to ourselves. She’s right!
What are we really saying to someone when we respond to acts of kindness, service, blessings and more, with “thanks, but no thanks?” We are telling this person not to bless us or help us, when the Holy Spirit was the one who laid it upon their heart to do so. Essentially, this is stripping them of not only doing something wonderful for another human being, but of their ability to be obedient to God. Wow! I had honestly never looked at it that way.
After allowing that sink in, I was and am certainly relieved that I didn’t turn down assistance this time. But it made me realize I need to be extra mindful of the sentiment the next time someone wants to chip in or be a support in the future. In our lives these times will come and keep coming. Let’s remember we should never allow ourselves to become too full of pride that we can’t request or joyously receive the help and blessings that others want to kindly and selflessly extend to us.
The truth is we NEED God. We NEED each other. After all, He is the One who sends friends and family into our lives to lift each other up, to help, to give, to take, and to be there for one another. We can and should rally around each other as needed or directed to by the Lord. Besides, we are warned not to think so highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). We should never allow the thought that we are too independent or so capable in this life that we simply don’t need or even want a helping hand. Not one of us is perfect (Romans 3:10).
Every person under the sun needs the same help as they should also be spreading to others. Be blessed and be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). It’s that simple. We all NEED.
A thought to leave you with:
What if mankind collectively stated “thanks, but no thanks” to Jesus? I’m feeling rather fortunate we never have to find out. Aren’t you?
