...that is the sound of me swallowing my pride.
One of Lindsay's playgroup friends was relocated overseas and left much of their baby gear behind. Generously we were offered anything we wanted. A friend helped us as we looked through some really nice gear that we would most certainly need. As I started loading up the car, she said in passing, "Well they would be happy to know that this stuff is going to a family in need. They just wanted to make sure a needy family could use this stuff."
I could immediately feel my ego wanting to protest: "We aren't a needy family." It was almost a natural reflext to drop the carseat I was carrying and say, "I can provide just fine for these kids and storm off." But something was able to quickly calm my heart, and simply say, "Thank you, we appreciate the support."
Clearly she did not mean for it to be condescending to me, but I was amazed at how I wanted to "prove" that I could provide just fine for 4 kids. This will be one of my many growing edges going forward;
For I am happy to help others in their need, happy to preach about serving and community, yet I am hesitant to admit my own need and allow people to serve me.
3 comments:
I really appreciate your honesty Wes. Such a good lesson for all of us. :)
Wes - you're having TRIPLETS!!! You are SOO in need.
We live in a culture that sends us so many messages that being in need=weakness/failure/less than. However, it seems that one of the greater universal truths is that we are all people in need and by leaning on each other during our times of need makes us all that much stronger.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Wes. I hope that we all can be sources of help and strength to you, Lindsay, and the kids in the coming months and years!
Jess HB
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