I stood in the kitchen one afternoon on the verge of a meltdown. There were so many dishes to be done, even though I’d washed twice already. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich crusts were on the floor, even though we hadn’t had peanut butter and jelly that day. This couldn’t be right. How could I have gone from such an orderly multi-tasker to a woman who forgets to take a shower and cries over a sink full of dishes?
I stood there, half-crying and half-praying, and wondered if I’d survive motherhood of young children. I asked God to preserve my sanity and to make me super woman. The kind of woman who cooks things for breakfast instead of just serving cereal. The type of woman who find time to make thoughtful little gifts tied up in linen monogrammed bags and brings them around to unsuspecting friends. The sort of woman who always has her hair done and dresses as though company is always expected.
Then I stopped fantasizing and prayed that God would help me make sure my children were fed and alive each morning. Wow, I had fallen to new lows. As I stood there praying I felt God’s presence come over me with such peace and delight. In that moment I knew that no matter how untidy my house was or how wrinkled my clothes were, I’d look back on these early years as my absolute favorite. But I also knew I needed to ask for help.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
I live in a foreign country with a husband in school full-time who works in the evenings. I work from home and I have two children under 2 with one on the way. I can’t do it alone. And because of his grace, God doesn’t ask me to.
So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ {the Messiah} and individually we are parts one of another {mutually dependent on one another}. Romans 12:5 AMP
Why is it so easy to pray but so hard to humble ourselves and ask others for help? Even when others offer their help, why is it so hard to accept? I finally relented. Soon afterwards, while leading a Sunday evening meeting for the ladies in my church, I stated jokingly {though of course I was dead serious} that life was hard for me. My monotonous routine was draining. I felt overwhelmed. I needed prayer support and encouragement.
My sisters in Christ came through. Prepared meals at our doorstep and offers for babysitting started pouring in. People approached me saying they were surprised to hear I needed help because I seemed so “together.” Boy, I sure had them fooled. And, by unknowingly fooling them, I had made life so much harder on myself.
God was so gracious in my moment of pride. He gave me peace, showed me His love, and provided a way to humble myself. He convicted me of my desire to do it all, be the best and to seem so Stepford-ish that no one knew my true need. By trying to maintain an appearance of perfection I was robbing myself of the opportunity for love and support. I was being prideful and stubborn to the detriment of my family.
God wants to draw near to us in our hours of need. He wants to strengthen us by his spirit and his body. Let’s humble ourselves and ask for help.
Mama, do you have a hard time asking for help? How do you need to humble yourself in this season and let the body of Christ know your need?
We are honored to have Rachel Norman guest posting at Grace for Moms today. Rachel blogs at A Mother Far from Home on parenting, pregnancy, and the spiritual life with kiddos.
