While fixing my young daughter and her friends a snack, I overheard my first grader proudly state, “My dad cut my ability cord when I was born.” After chuckling, I found myself pondering. In fact, Elizabeth’s amusing words continued to dance around in my head for days. “Is my daughter’s ‘ability’ still being compromised?”
I wondered.
After all, as the youngest child in a large family, our Elizabeth has seldom independently faced many of the challenges her older siblings have faced, mainly because there has usually been someone around to help her. It seems we have consistently come to her aid when she’s asked for assistance. And all of our well-meant support has come rather easily for this lucky daughter, especially when she’s tried to tackle some seemingly overwhelming tasks – like quickly tying her own shoes or cleaning up big messes.
While I believe that giving our children responsibility generally increases their capability and rescuing them often promotes laziness and entitlement, to be completely honest…I am surprisingly similar my young, reliant daughter. I try to be independent, strong and capable. I really do. Yet I’m sometimes weak and overwhelmed by the tasks before me. Like Elizabeth, I often depend on those more experienced and knowledgeable than I am for help.
In fact, I rely upon my Heavenly Father for help daily, hourly, and even moment-to-moment!
And although I haven’t personally experienced a fraction of what He has faced, thankfully, that’s not a prerequisite for receiving his help.
Only “asking” is…
So, the next time your child asks for a little help, be patient.
And remember you’ll be on your knees asking for help in a minute or two.
Asking for help doesn’t make you weak.
It makes you able.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
-Philippians 4:13
