This morning I drove myself to work for the first time since my surgery.  I was physically ready a while ago but my car was not!  After all that time sitting in the garage the battery died and then the seat broke.  While I am thankful that we have another vehicle and my husband was more than willing to drive me to work, I wanted that bit of independence back.  I am one of those crazy people that sings very loud in the car and I missed that. 

One of the main things I had to learn while I was recovering from surgery was to rely on others.  Letting others help me is one of my biggest struggles.  I guess it’s my independent spirit (or some may say stubbornness) that rears its ugly head regularly. 

At home I had to let others do most everything for me, especially at the beginning.  I’m so thankful for my Mom spending a week with me, my sister spending a few days the next week and then my husband being there 24/7 the whole time.  Then at work I had several amazing folks filling in the gaps that I left for such an extended period.  I’ve always known they were capable but had trouble letting go. 

So, why do we have such trouble receiving help from others?  While I called it an independent spirit, I think it really boils down to pride.  For whatever reason I think I can do it better.  This must be a common theme because in the hospital there was a lady who came to give me helpful advice for my recovery.  She told me to let others do my tasks around the house.  Then she said that no one would do it to my liking but that I needed to get over it.  She said I could get it back to the way I liked it once I had healed. 

One of the things we are called to do as Christians is to serve others.  If you think about it, how can we serve others if no one is willing to receive help?  I’ll never forget a time that I heard Joni Eareckson Tada speak on this subject.  For those of you who do not know her, she was injured when she was 17 years old in a diving accident and has been a quadriplegic ever since (she is now in her fifties).  She literally has to have someone do just about everything for her.  She can’t roll over in bed when she wants to, she can’t dry her own tears or blow her own nose.  Can you imagine that kind of dependence?  But she realizes that those who are serving her are doing what they are called to do.  So she puts on that smile for them when they serve her whether she wants to or not.

Many of you reading this are serving others every day in your work.  It has been said that to serve others to that extent has to be a calling.  Not everyone is cut out for it.  When you get weary of your calling, perhaps the following passage will help:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.  You are serving the Lord Christ.”  Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

Keep in mind, though, that there may come a time when you will need to be the one served.  Will you accept this help from others with joy?  Or will you refuse the help wanting to do it yourself? 

So, the next time someone offers to carry something heavy for you or open your door, may I suggest that you simply smile and say “thank you?”  You may just both be blessed!

Have a great day!