Moving the Rock

There was a small boy trying to move a large, heavy rock out of his way. He was straining as he tried to lift it, and soon the tears fell down his cheeks. His Dad was watching him and asked his son if he was using all his strength to try to lift it. The son replied, ” Yes!” His Dad gently responded with , “No, you aren’t, you didn’t ask me to help you.”

How many times have we been like that little boy? No matter the weight of the problem, we tell ourselves we can handle it, we got it.  We go about trying to handle it all on our own, while we stumble under the weight of it. Why is it so hard sometimes to lean on another for help? That’s what friends and family are for. We help each other out. While there are many of us who would help a friend at the drop of the hat, we aren’t as quick to be the ones to admit that we need help. To admit that we are tired and can’t do this on our own.

I know I wrote about this subject  before on my blog, but reading that story just brought it back to my mind. It also took me back in time. Took me back to a time of where I vividly recall telling my Mom that I was done!

Without going into a lot of detail,  let me just say that 2010 was a very hard year! It started out hard on January 1st and just kept going. It was the Fall of that year and the firemen had just left our house. Only one room was damaged, but that wasn’t the point. When my Mom hugged me, with tears in my eyes I told her that  I was tired and done!  I meant it. I was worn. I had dealt with a serious medical issue with my oldest daughter that year and this was the 2nd time that the firemen had been at our house that year.

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our family wouldn’t have made it through that time without the love and help of our  family and friends!

It doesn’t matter how strong we think we are, no one is made to go through trials alone. It is not a sign of weakness to say, ” I can’t do this, I need help! !” It is actually a sign of strength I believe to admit when we need a helping hand. It also provides others the chance to be a blessing to us!

I will admit that it can be hard for me be on the other side. I would much rather be the one who spreads encouragement.  Be the one who is making others smile.

Life has thrown some wild curve balls at me though. In those times I have had to admit that I can’t do this on my own. I have had to admit that more than once. This past year was another example of when I needed others to lean on. My heart is still full of gratitude for those who were there and who continue to be there.

If you find yourself struggling to move a heavy rock on your own, please reach out! Don’t rob someone of the blessing that they can be by helping you.  Let that friend be your wings, while yours feel too broken to fly. Let them hold you while you cry, and let them guide you with their gentle words of encouragement. Let them be there for you. Most likely down the road sometime, you will have your turn at being their wings for them. That is what true friendship is all about!