Blessed to be Broken

Last Thursday night prior to hopping into bed, I got down on my knees and said my prayers. It’s a nightly thing, so no big news there.

However, I specifically remember this night because I simply thanked God for everything.

The minute the word everything left my mouth, I felt this panic rise up inside me. I started to imagine all manners of things going sideways.

I remember thinking, do I really mean everything, or just the good things? But I said everything, so, I left it at that.

The next day, Friday, I took Mooser Moose to his grooming appointment. After I dropped him off, I bebopped over to TJ Maxx to do some Christmas shopping.

With that particular shopping spree completed, I got in my car, pressed the ignition button, and instead of being met with the sound of my engine starting, I was met with the sound of silence.

Clearly, this was a mistake. I pressed the ignition button again. Nothing. I pressed it again, nothing. Ok, let’s try this again. Thankfully the car started. Whew!

The temperature was in the 20s that day so I know when my car told me it was 81° outside, something was amiss.

I drove over to Michael’s, which is pretty much in the same shopping cluster as the previous store. I parked my car, and with the engine still running, decided to call the dealership to see if they’ve heard of this type of thing happening before.

Of course they could offer no suggestions as to what the problem could be, but said I could make an appointment to get in next week. I politely told them I’d call them back. But in my head, I had other words swirling around.

I decided to call my son. After we conversed for a few minutes, it was decided I’d go over to his house and he’d take a look under the hood.

Once I got there, I popped the hood, and he tested the battery. It was charging, but we decided because the battery was five years old, to pull the battery, and take it to AutoZone. And by “we”, I mean he removed the battery.

Sure enough, my car needed a new battery. If you’ve ever purchased a new battery, you know they’re not cheap. Merry Christmas to me. Ha!

After the new battery was installed, I thanked my son, and went back to Christmas shopping.

I didn’t get as much done as I wanted due to the unplanned battery debaucle.

But, when the groomer calls, and says your fur baby is all done being pampered, you go get him. Tout suite. (That’s fancy for straight away)

Because I didn’t get as much shopping done as I’d planned, I made more shopping plans for Sunday after church.

As I was sipping my coffee on Sunday morning, amidst the silence and glow of the Christmas tree lights, I heard this loud disturbance come from my bedroom.

My first thought, was, Oh Lord! What now!

I thought, I hope that wasn’t a tree that came down and at first glance I could see that wasn’t the case. Whew!

Upon further inspection, I found the entire shelving unit in my closet on the floor. Sweet baby Jesus.

The words, “And the walls, came tumbling down” popped in my head. Did you sing it?

I just stared there in solemn disbelief. Blink, blink.

Oy to the vey! I grabbed my phone, took pictures of the evidence, and messaged my son. Mind you, this was all before 7 AM.

Thankfully, my son was able to put the shelving unit back in place. Nothing like forced closet purging to interrupt your day. Definitely less satisfying than going shopping, I must say. Ha!

So, this is where my thanking God for everything prayer comes into play. No, I’m not gonna say, it could’ve been worse and that’s why I was thankful. Seriously, who wants worse?

I thanked Him because there was someone I could call who was able to help. Someone who allowed an interruption in their lives to stop and help me.

Someone who in my time of need, laid their life down, to assist me.

Can I admit something? Asking for help is still hard. It’s very humbling. It’s hard not going into “I’m being a burden” mode. Truth be told, I think that in itself can be a prideful thing.

When did we equate needing help to become “being a burden”? We were not created to be able to “do it all”. Not for our lack of trying.

If you have the knowledge and skillset, and can do what needs to be done, awesome. But, at some point and time everyone needs help. No one is exempt from it. No one!

Yet, even the best of us have trouble asking for help. As if it’s some sort of tabooed weakness.

After my son completed the task of resurrecting the closet shelving, I told him, it’s no fun having to eat your own words.

When he previously needed help, I told him to be thankful there were people in his life willing and able to help, over feeling bad for needing said help.

Now, here I was, feeling bad for having to ask for help, and being reminded of the very words I spoke to him. Be thankful. Be thankful. Be thankful.

So, here’s the thing. You’re not a burden when you need help. I’m gonna repeat that. You’re not a burden when you need help.

You’re simply human. There’s no shame in being human. There’s no shame in needing help.

So the next time you need help, remember God has already gone before you. He’s not surprised when you need help. He’s already working it out.

And don’t get all, uppidity in thinking well, if God knew what was going to happen, why did He allow it?

His ways are NOT our ways. His thoughts are HIGHER than our thoughts. Just as the heavens are higher than earth. God rules. Period.

His plans take precedence over ours, every time.

So, what can we do? Thank Him. You may have to dig for the treasure you need to thank Him for, but as the saying goes, there’s always, something to be thankful for.

But, if you can’t think of anything off the top of your head, be thankful for the breath in your lungs. It’s a good starting place.

I’m thankful for the gift of you! As I read somewhere recently, lay under the Christmas tree and remind yourself and family, that you’re a gift! I love that!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we remember to be thankful for His willingness to come down from heaven, be born in a stable, and lay His life down for us all. May we remember that true love looks like sacrifice. May we be willing to help and love others and You’ve taught us to do. We celebrate You and give You all the glory and honor. You, King Jesus are to be praised. Thank you for all you’ve done, all you’re doing, and for everything. Amen!

Love, Trish