I Can Do It MYSELF!

When pride comes, then comes shame;
    but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

I must confess, I am astounded by the number of people I get to talk with who listen intently (or pretend to), agree with the wisdom I impart (or they just smile and nod), and then tell me "Thanks, but I'm good. I've got this. I don't need any help."  Sooooooo......we've just wasted all this time discussing an issue you've already decided help was not needed?

 

We're a stubborn and proud bunch, aren't we? Ask my bride if you don't believe it.  There are people who go through life as if the streetcar they are riding in has triangular wheels (and a moment for that image to set in).  They bump along wondering why life is so unfair and why others seem to have it all, and when help is offered, their stubborn pride kicks in and they claim they need no help.

 

But consider this, and this point has been raised before, if we were able to handle everything ourselves....why are there so many of us?  You see, if we could handle everything ourselves, no one else would be needed, thus, we would be alone (and be okay with that).  But the TRUTH is, we need each other!  We can't and (here's the kicker) don't have to face life's battles alone!

 

Ever notice that when we get all prideful and "don't need anyone's help" that suddenly we are put in a situation that we cannot handle alone?  Hmmm.....coincidence?  One of the things I have learned from my 53+ years of doing life wrong is that I have 53+ years of learning to share. 

 

 I know I cannot do everything by myself (as much as I would like to think I could).

I know that I need help (and you may stop laughing any time now, if you please).

I know I can be stubborn and prideful (and my bride just snorted trying to stifle a laugh).

I know that I'm not the only one.....

 

God tends to humble the proud and the stubborn.  But God is merciful in that He allows us to learn from each other.