“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
Have you ever worried about fitting in somewhere? Maybe it was a move to a new area? Maybe it was going to a new church? Maybe it was starting a new job? Maybe it is a rough patch in your marriage? We have all been there at some point in our life.
Maybe that worry lasted for only a moment. Maybe it overtook your life and that was all you thought about.
Now picture yourself at the new school, the new church, the new job, or a new group. Maybe they are looking for someone to organize something and guess what YOU have the skills. You get all excited because you have found your sweet spot. You know that this is right where you are meant to be – you are going to shine.
Everything is going great, and then someone does something to “help”. You know they pitch in without being asked or they purchase an item needed and just bring it to you. Do you appreciate the kind gesture or do you get defensive?
You guessed it….in reading this I saw myself. My insecurities come to the surface when someone tries to help by doing something without being asked and I enter the world of Doubting Debbie. I start trying to prove myself. Instead of appreciating help, I feel like my abilities are being questioned.
Yup, that is me. I become like a porcupine with their quills standing at attention. My defenses come out and anyone standing near me feels those quills. I have to admit, it is usually hubby that gets the blunt of the sticks lately.
I never thought about it but when things like this happen, I feel like I am walking into a situation with humility when I am actually walking in with pride. Rather than asking for advice and help, I try to prove something by doing it alone. My approach usually hinders what my heart really wants to do.
God has worked on my heart to teach me an important lesson:
I need to walk into every new situation with something to learn, not something to prove.
A reminder that I need to trust God for he has new things for me to learn every day and He will use people to teach me. Even when I’m in my sweet spot. I need to approach every new situation with a heart that is open and gentle, ready to learn whatever new things God has for me that day.
Are you quills out today?
Have a Thirty One-derful day!
Hope Wissel 