On Knights in Shining Armor

These last four years, I've had a series of... let's call them "grand-scale challenges," with which I have been tested.

I do not think, however, that the test of these challenges has been one to determine strength. I may have been dangerously close to the edge of the cliff at times (maybe now), but I know that I am strong enough to hang on - I am sure of this.

Instead, perhaps the message for me is that it is okay to accept help, and even possibly okay, to ask for it.

You see, I am not the kind of girl who subscribes to the fairytale - you know, the one where I am a damsel in distress who needs the knight in shining armor to come swooping in to save the day? I'm more of the "I'll do it myself" variety.

And for this reason, I have a lot of trouble not answering the "what can I do to help you?" question with "I'm doing just fine, you don't need to do anything at all." I stumble on the "yes, I need help... here's how..." It just doesn't come naturally - I have to work at it.

Yet, I have very desperately needed help during all of these challenging times. And even in the face of my somewhat stubborn stance that I'm fine, others have pitched-in, in ways that I could not have even imagined that I've needed.

I may be someone who has a contingency plan for most things, but I'll be honest, I did not have one for a tornado. Friends and family have (some quite literally) picked up the pieces of my life and helped me put them back together. I have been provided with shelter, financial help, food, care for my children, a place to store my more important things while my home is being repaired, and even plates, cups, and utensils. And certainly, I cannot forget the immeasurable love, prayers, and support, from near and far.

I still have trouble with the idea of someone swooping in to save the day, but I am getting better at allowing others to work by my side. Accepting help (and asking for it) will likely be something I have to keep working on. I will have to consistently remind myself that it is okay. I think I'm up for the challenge. At least this time, I recognize the message. (I'm thinking that means my next test should be less extreme - just throwing it out there).

Despite this series of grand-scale challenges, I have been given what I've needed to get through them - people who love me and want to help, people who know that I need help even through my attempts to say otherwise.

I am so blessed to have this life. I keep adding to this family I've picked, and I am filling it with truly amazing individuals - you might even call them "knights in shining armor."

I am beyond grateful.