Accepting Help

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

It was going to be a busy Saturday. Kyle and I had planned to help our friends host a Thanksgiving gathering for friends and acquaintances who were new to the country and hadn’t experienced the holiday before. But our kids also had activities to attend—robotics tournaments and a dance show.

As I dropped my daughter off at practice for the dance show that afternoon, I visited with my friend Staci, explaining all we had going on that day. She quickly chimed in, “I can bring Jasmine home after the show.”

“No, that’s fine,” I said without hesitation. “I’ll come get her.”

“I really don’t mind.”

“I don’t want to bother you. But thanks,” I said with a smile as the girls returned from practice.

As I drove home and thought more about all the running I would have to do to get the kids and attend the party, I realized I should have taken Staci up on her offer.

When I returned home and started making food to take to the gathering, I told Kyle what Staci had said. “I don’t know why I always automatically say no when people offer me help. It would be nice not to need to run back to the school to pick up Jasmine.”

“Then text her back,” Kyle responded. “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.” And so I did. Staci immediately answered that she’d love to help. I thanked her again, grateful for a friend who would step in.

As Christians, we are supposed to support others, but what about when we need help? Sharing one another’s burdens is a command we are to obey whether we are giving help or receiving it. God didn’t want us to go through life on our own; leaning on others is part of his plan, and it’s the way he wants us to give and receive love.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Accept the help of someone else and thank God for that person’s assistance.