Its OK to ask for help

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a running start.

Today my oldest son Christopher will be trying out for the position of trumpet section leader in his high school’s marching band. Ever since his freshman year, he has aspired to become the lead trumpet player for his section. This being his senior year, Christopher went an extra step and asked for help. Now Christopher didn’t ask just anyone, but he instead approached a trumpet playing high school band director who goes to our church. Christopher allowed himself to become the student to this more experienced teacher.

This example brought me to the following verse from Proverbs:

Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)
Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.

Asking for help, most of us need it and few of us ask for it. Life is filled with many challenges, difficulties and new experiences, yet Solomon himself declared:

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)
History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.

Where ever it is you are going or whatever it is you are going through, someone has been down a similar path before. Sadly too many of us would rather reinvent the wheel instead of admitting that we need some help and guidance. Think of the mistakes we could have avoided, if we had just asked for some help and guidance. Sadly, our pride keeps us from admitting we don’t have all the answers.

Today, I want to challenge you to willingly accept the role of pupil. Seek out those you can learn from and those who are further along in the journey of life. Let them tell you the stories of their experience. Let them look over your shoulder as you wade through life’s decisions. In the long run you’ll be better because of their input. Their wisdom and insight will help you sharpen your skills and make you the best at what you do.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl