On the first of each month I make a to-do list of things to focus on that particular month.
I did it a month ago, and from my review, it’s clear I was not focused on the list. I chalk this up to not writing it in a conspicuous place, instead hiding the list of to-dos away in a file on my laptop.
I did get a couple of the items finished. Probably the one that surprised me the most was, by far and away, the one item I did not want to write down.
Even before I typed it, I remember thinking, “What?? I’m not writing that down!”.... and the more I tried to not commit it to paper, the more the voice in my head urged me to do it.
The task? Ask for help.
“Ask for help for what?” I thought. But it was clear that I was to type it out.... and wait. (Ugh!)
It is hard for me to ask for help. I prefer to do things on my own, and do them well. But
God has been drawing Joe and me into a season where we cannot do things on our own, and we have to rely on Him each day for every single thing.
About a week later, I found myself emailing a respected leader in our life, asking for help. We needed to connect with an advisor to get an objective perspective on something that was overwhelming me, as well as receive much needed encouragement. We met a week or ten days later, and were very uplifted by the meeting, and received the advice we needed.
Also, during that time, I was reflecting on my performance at work, realizing there was a gap between what I was giving and what I could be giving. I took the store manager at his word and asked him to help me overcome a couple of challenges I had noticed in my job performance. I didn’t take the easy road and ask a question I knew the answer to, I dug and said, “This is where I’m really struggling, how can we change it?” I’ve continued to do that as we chat at the end of each shift what my opportunities were that day.
The results of asking for help have been quite interesting.
The first meeting I mentioned, resulted in a little bit of networking that never would have happened otherwise.
At work, I have grown my performance and have been just shy of achieving a high honor within the company for attaining certain statistics. Actually, I’ve been just short three weeks in a row, all for different statistical reasons. But I haven’t been close to achieving that honor for at least four months, and then close calls three weeks in a row!
I realized that I am where I am for a reason. If I don’t take advantage of the lessons God has for me at this particular time and place, I won’t be able to move on to the next thing God has for me.
Too many times in life, I’ve had an opportunity to grow and learn, and I shut the door because of my selfishness or laziness. Looking back on those seasons, I wish I could have taken fuller advantage of what was in front of me. I’m in that kind of a place right now. And I want to take in what I can so that it prepares me for what is to come.
The last few days, I’ve been overcome with gratitude.... for everything I have.... for the little things I passed by... my appreciation has increased ten-fold or more for things I took for granted.
I feel the lessons that God is teaching are sinking in. Perspective is shifting and that needs to happen to welcome the next season of life.
I can now look back with confidence that it was Him leading me to write what I thought was ludicrous -- ask for help.
Is there an area of your life that asking for help could unlock lessons and blessings?
