2 Things: Ask for Help, Laugh
I dare you. Because these might be two of the most difficult things to do. And because they are two of the most beneficial practices for learning how to be human. In my last post, I shared how I've been in a season of wanting to embrace my humanity. I want to be able to show up as my whole self for God and for others, but that requires admitting my limits. And when those limits become apparent, I don't always know what to do next. I dig deep for a profound spiritual insight and Jesus brings me back to these two simple invitations:
Ask for help. I have needs and I have limits. That's part of what makes me human. I cannot meet those needs by myself. I need help. Mike and I have been back at the fertility clinic and have had several hiccups the last few months as we've been praying and trying for another child. This week I had an honest conversation with my coach about it. I made a difficult decision. I told my family and some close friends that I've been struggling. I told them that the medications make me feel awful and that I'm weary from the roller coaster of the unknown. Then I made a harder decision to be more honest. I told them that I felt ashamed. Ashamed by my struggle with fertility. Ashamed that I need to ask them for help. Ashamed that this is a big deal for me. I hate being that honest. It leaves me raw and exposed. This morning one of those friends approached me at church and prayed for me and hugged me...the honest, human, me. It was a sacred moment of being human together.
Laugh. My daughter had a total meltdown this morning after her yogurt ran out. But her tears turned instantly to laughter when Mike put sunglasses on her face and started dancing with her. Laughter is healing. This morning I was going for a swim and telling Jesus about all the people or situations in my life that irritate me. I waited for Jesus to throw down some serious God-talk about how I should forgive or love my neighbor or something. Instead, Jesus reminded me of the memory of Julia dancing with her sunglasses and her dad. Jesus wanted me to laugh. He wasn't making light of all the serious things in people's lives, but he was inviting me to remember how we are all human. And so we laughed together.
I love that Jesus leads us with simple invitations. Simple, but deeply theological.
So you're up. I dare you. Ask for help. Laugh. Be honest about your humanity.