The Three Hardest Words

This past weekend I went for a bike ride in preparation of a 110km bike race I participate in. Along the way, I had a very inglorious fall. Not an accident or a wreck, but falling while standing still, yet still clipped into my pedals.

With all my weight I fell on my left arm and elbow. Pain shot through my arm. My fingers went numb. My first thought was, “I just broke my arm.”

As the initial pain subsided, everything was moving fine, so I rode the remaining ten miles home.

As the day progressed, my arm hurt more and more. Finally I went to the doctor and found out I had fractured my elbow. I am in a sling for 2-6 weeks.

My bike race is over.

My new season begins, one in which I must utter the three hardest words over and over.

“I Need Help.”

I hate it.

Immediately I found myself trying to see what I could still do.

I felt guilty for being a burden on my wife and not being able to help with the children.

I can’t drive.
I am unable to open jars.
I can’t type with two hands (although I must admit I tried in this post.)

Why is it so hard for us to utter those difficult words?

I want to be productive, to feel needed, and be  valuable.

I know my wife loves me, but as soon as you take away the ability “to do”, I begin to feel the need to strive and perform.

Is it any wonder we do this with God as well…

We know He loves and accepts us, but we feel the need to show our worthiness, often working so hard it hurts us.

We needed to utter the three hardest words, “I Need Help”, to enter into a relationship with Him.
We must continue in that place of trust and dependence, rather than self effort, as we walk with HIm.

I’m going to get a lot of practice asking for help over the next few weeks.
Deep down, I know it will be good for me.
Even if I do not like it.

Now I must go rest my good arm which is tired from the one-handed pecking this blog post required.

What is your experience with saying the three hardest words, “I need help?” Share so we can learn from each other.