Wednesday, December 21st, 2022
Accepting an offer, a Help-Gift,
Can open the way for a big shift.
A task that gets done,
Or something that’s fun.
Surefire route to a mental lift.
Do you accept help when it’s offered?
You know the other half of “Getting Help?”
Accepting help that is offered.
Help offered is a gift being given.
A gift that can make possibility out of
What seemed impossible.
I’ve had that on bike adventures.
One time my gears locked-up / conked out / quit
Somewhere crossing vast stretches of Montana.
Fellow rider Jan and I together out there,
Last bikers in line of 20 cyclists,
Strung out over twelve miles.
(Before we all had cell phones.)
Jan made an offer, I declined,
Then realized what she was willing to do.
While I wheeled my non-functioning bicycle,
Jan sprinted five miles to find the SAG car,
And get help.
What a gift!
An “off-bike-life” recent learning opportunity:
Plan was for Bob and me to drive to Viroqua, WI
Joining extended family
For Holiday meal.
Storm came with much snow,
Roads with hazards of snow & ice.
Bob and I decided to cancel.
Even though we are still good drivers,
I notice our risk tolerance
Is shrinking when faced with
Less-than-perfect conditions.
Our son offered to drive us to Viroqua.
Thinking of his plans that would have to change,
Not wanting to inconvenience anybody,
We said, “No thanks.”
We would stay home.
Later, recognizing the gift we were being offered,
Receiving Help that would make
This impossibility possible,
We changed our minds and said
“Yes, Thank You!”
We got to be part of the visiting,
Sharing food and time together.
Time and Attention are among
The greatest gifts I can receive.
Accepting Help let me have those.
One-day-at-a-time,
I am learning.
Hugs,
Lin
Leave a comment for me below!
Really true and especially when one has injuries snd as we get older. Now there are times when I just cannot do it myself. I am so grateful for all offers of help!! It’s been a year of learning!! 🙏
Indeed, Naurine… such a year! Help is such a blessing. 🙂
Bob and Lin,
Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023. Still holding forth at Cheyenne. Kel sent the best card that I have received this year, although it is great fun to see how the children from past law clerks are growing and glowing. Peace dear friends.
Alan
Dear Alan, Your wishes and thoughts are a great gift! All our best to you!
Great writeup. It is very difficult for strong independent women to accept offers of help. Great lesson in your write up. Thank you.
My pleasure, Perrilee! Thank you for your consistent, steady support! So glad to have you “along for the ride.” Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season.
Oh Lin, what a great reminder – to say “Yes, thank you” because more often than not, the blessing the other person receives can be greater than the gift they have given. My pride gets in the way of me accepting help sometimes, and I will remember the “u-turn” that you and Bob made — sounds (and looks) like a fun time was had by all!
Thank you, Jill! Yes–we had a very good time. 🙂 Wishing you the best of the season!