Joy in Service

Elizabeth and I were talking the other day about the "season" I am in right now. We've come to the conclusion that perhaps this season is to teach me humility. Maybe not humility as you would normally think of the word, but humility in being able to ask others for help when I need it.

I have always struggled when it comes to asking for help . . . even if I am truly in need of it. It's just something I have never felt comfortable in doing. Maybe this comes from feelings of unworthiness on my part. This "season", if nothing else, has taught me that God did not make me to be completely independent. Even in the beginning, He saw that Adam needed a suitable helpmate and created Eve - crafted from Adam's body!

Genesis 2

19) Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

20) So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

21) So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.

22) Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

We all know that God hears our prayers and bears our burdens, but so are we to share one another's burdens. He never said we have to carry our burdens and go through our trials and storms alone. Why then is it so hard for some of us to share our troubles with others? Why is it so hard to tell someone what we are going through and that we need help?

Praise be to the Lord,

to God our Savior,

who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68:19

Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

While my children were growing up, I always tried to help them understand what it meant to "serve". To serve God and others - without expecting anything in return! I'm sure they got tired of hearing me say, "We don't do things for others because we want something back!". That is a life of service! I also told them that when you don't allow others to help, you take from them the joy of "serving". I'm sure we all have felt that great feeling you get when you're able to help someone else - to share some of the your own blessings with someone who has less or is in need!

I'm learning to practice what I preach . . . though I still have a way to go! I have been "not well" - (don't want to call it sick) with allergies, sore throat, cough and laryngitis for almost four weeks now! My voice has not been normal for almost three weeks and gone completely for two of those weeks!

Since I don't have a job I had decided that I would not go to the doctor, but would treat myself at home. Well, so far that hasn't worked so Elizabeth insisted that I go to the doctor and she and Michael would give me the money for my co-pay and prescriptions. Of course, I told her no and she gently reminded me that if I did not accept this help, I would be taking away the joy they would have in helping me. HELLO!!! - where did she get that?! She learned this from childhood with my help and I wasn't even practicing it!

I have so much to be thankful for - God's mercy and grace, the desire Michael and Elizabeth share to serve God! I thank God that He is in control - because without Him, I would be a complete mess!

I trust God and know that this "season" is for His purpose and I will come through it stronger in faith and understanding - and more humble -than I came into it!

In His Love and Blessings
annb