By Krista Manchuck.
There are a
lot of things we can learn from little kids.
Naps are
important.
Don’t hit.
You should
treat others as you want to be treated,
Every day is
a chance to learn and discover something new.
And the list
goes on...
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Something
else I have learned from my son is how to ask for help. He has no problem
asking for help when he needs it, and since he is a toddler, that is quite
often. Still, he is unashamed in his requests. Of course, I have no problem
helping- in fact, I enjoy it.
As
“grown-ups” we often forget that we too need help from time to time, and
working together is much easier than working alone. As a runner, I enjoy the
alone time a run can provide in the midst of a hectic schedule, but it is
almost always easier when I run with someone else. Although I am still physically
bearing my own burden, the weight is shared. The run seems to go faster, and is
more enjoyable when in good company.
Our society
today has moved from togetherness- to separateness. We have our own tablets,
ipods, and iphones. Instead of actually talking to each other, we text. Instead
of meeting, we video-chat, instead of spending quality time, we check email,
facebook, or twitter. But the fact cannot be denied- we need each other.
The Bible
says in Ephesians, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return
for their labor. For if they fall, one can lift up his companion, but woe to
him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two
lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another,
two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not easily broken.”
(Ephesians 4:9-12)
The point is clear- two is better than one, and three is even better.
The point is clear- two is better than one, and three is even better.
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| stop running alone, join a team... |
There is strength in numbers.
Proverbs
discusses the benefits of seeking advice from others who are wise- “For by wise
counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is
safety. (Proverbs 24:6) “Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude
of counselors they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22)
The
scripture is clear- by seeking the help of others, we are guaranteed safety and
success. How many times have you heard others say, “Two heads are better than
one?” It’s true.
My marriage,
my parenting, my running, my career, and even my relationship with God would be
drastically different without the help and advice I receive from those who I
have allowed to speak wisdom into my life. Without their wisdom, I would not be
successful or strong in these areas. Asking for help can be hard, but we all
need to learn to be like a child, and ask for help when we need it. If we seek
help from those who truly care for us,
those who have the heart of God, it will be their joy to stand alongside us
and watch as our weaknesses turn to strengths.
If you need
help...no, WHEN you need help (because you will,) ask a friend, ask a family
member,ask a pastor, but first, ask God, because He is a friend that sticks
closer than a brother*, and He’s bound to be the wisest of them all.
God Bless you.