Joyful homes aren‘t perfect, but they ASK FOR HELP.
Family life isn’t always easy, but we are not meant to bear life’s burdens alone!
Even though we know this, and though we are usually happy to lend a hand to others, it can be difficult to ask for help when WE need it! Whether it’s something as simple as asking someone to take our turn at carpool, or as serious as reaching out to a counselor for an addiction, making our needs known is humbling.
But this humility is good for us! It opens our hearts to our neighbors, encourages them to seek help themselves, and ultimately it makes us more open to receive the grace and mercy that God himself wants to give us.
“Carry each other’s burdens. In this way, you fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
We live in a culture that values self-reliance and independence. While it’s obviously a great good to be able to support ourselves and be responsible, this doesn’t mean that we have to do life alone! One of the reasons that God allows suffering in the world, is that it unleashes love: in us, and in allowing others to show us compassion.
When we allow others to help us, we practice a disposition that is necessary before God. As capable as we are at handling things on earth, we will never be able to get ourselves to heaven. For that, we need Jesus! By His death and resurrection, He won for us oceans of grace and mercy that He cannot give us unless we are open to receive His help.