Since having Chloe I have been blessed with awesome acts of service. I've had people bring in meals, watch my kids, vacuum my floor, give me gifts, and shower me with kindness. And I have appreciated every act. It is an honor to receive such an outpouring of love. But with that sense of gratitude I also feel a little bit of guilt. It's hard having people sacrifice and inconvenience themselves on my behalf, especially when some of the things I could probably have taken care of on my own. But those acts of service have made the last few days so much lighter and more joyful. I have LOVED being able to sit and hold Chloe knowing that dinner was taken care of or to have the freedom to take a nap knowing that my other children were in good hands. When my floors are vacuumed the whole world feels in order. And the gifts I have received have been put to good and much appreciated use. But life isn't designed to be simple or easy, so is it wrong to allow people to remove challenges that I otherwise might have faced? Does relying on acts of service make me less self-reliant? And is it wrong to accept gifts from others who have less that I do?
Please, share your thoughts.
About Me
- Jessi
- Mom of five lovely daughters, wife of one dashing man. Born in Utah, grew up in Oregon, live in Georgia.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Service or Self-Reliance?
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10 comments:
Jessi- You are so sweet. You just need to sit back, relax and enjoy every minute of that little girl. There is so much love for you and your family during this time of your life. If I was closer I would love to take the girls for the day. You work so hard everyday of your life for your family that you deserve this. All you need to do is just say thank you. People would not do service unless they wanted to.
Girl I think you're thinkin too much. Just sit back get lost in that baby girls' eyes.
Anyway, let 'em serve. Gives them extra points in heaven! We all could use a little of that! So in a way, you are serving them by letting them serve you.
Yes, you could do it. Yes, you are totally self reliant. You take care of your whole family every day of the year. You'll be back doing it soon enough. So take the chance you have and enjoy being pampered!
Jessi,
I have ALWAYS had a hard time accepting acts of kindness. I am the one who LOVES to serve and will any time I can find an opportunity. But sometimes I think that it is better to allow yourself to "be" served. It makes you more humble and allows you to allow others to enjoy the blessings of serving. That's just my thought... So enjoy it and enjoy your time because it doesn't come around often enough! :)
People WANT to help! I wish I was there to help you, so I'm glad that others are. Just sit back and enjoy it...and of course be grateful for good people, but mostly just enjoy their service. They are doing it because they want to and because they love you. Remember that a couple weeks down the road it will be you and five little girls and you will wish that you had a nice dinner made!
I think it's important to accept someone's act of service. I know people say it's hard to do however if someone over's help, let them help. You'll have plenty of time to be self-reliant in the future.:)
It's important to let others serve in order for them to receive blessings of their own. And what better way to serve someone than to do something kind and helpful for a new mama? Enjoy! You deserve the pampering.
I love when people graciously accept my service, and I think you have an awesome attitude. I try to be gracious about it, too. It's not so intuitive, but I definitely think you're right!
It is only every now and then when we really need help from others. So just enjoy it and know that it is making them happy to help you. We have been taught to not deny anyone service, right? But I totally know how you feel. I have such a hard time letting people help. I just hate to put people out!
Amen to everything already said. There is a time and Season for giving and being given to. Take each one as each builds character and understanding.
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