I can do it myself

I can do it myself. This is a phrase I have used too many times. The other day, I was at Aldi. There was a father there who displayed this attitude. God used it to teach me about pride. Here is my story…

In and Out. That’s what I needed to do the other day when I went grocery shopping at Aldi. I had an appointment and needed to be focused. With my list in hand, I charged forward. I had Caleb and 2 friends with me but the little boys were strapped in, so I knew I could move fast.

Corn Chips, Ketchup, Yogurt, Kidney beans into the cart as I breezed through my list. I pulled frozen chicken breasts from the freezer and in the process noticed a Dad with his adorable little girls. He was holding one and trying to keep the other close by but she preferred wandering. I sighed as I remembered those early days. I felt the feelings with the Dad as he kept track of his young girls. The goal was always to get done and get out of the grocery store as quick as possible. Oh yes, I remember those days.

Checkout Lane

I crossed off the items on my list in record time and raced towards the checkout lanes. That same Dad was in front of me juggling his youngest and adding one more thing in his cart. He commented, “Go ahead of me, you seem to be in a hurry.” I replied, “Thanks, I do need to get to an appointment.” Wow, that was thoughtful! I loaded up my bags quickly and in the process looked up. That same Dad just finished at the check-out lane. He was loading up his bags one-handed with his youngest on his hip. He was also trying to keep his other daughter from going out the exit. At that moment, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart. “You remember how this feels, don’t you? Offer to help.”

I can do it myself

I pushed the cart over and asked the Dad if he wanted me to hold the baby so he could load or I could load his bags for him. “No, I can do it. I have 3 kids and have done this many times before.” I walked away from this encounter a little surprised and also a little frustrated with the Dad. He was clearly struggling but he didn’t want any help. I felt like he was being a little prideful. Why wouldn’t he accept my help?

What about you?

The Holy Spirit whispered to my heart as I walked away. “How many times have you refused help?” On the way to the van, I shook my head in disbelief. I am prideful. I have refused help time and the again. Why? I want it to look like I have it together and have it all under control. I want someone to notice me and see how well I can do something.

Pride

Pride. It’s ugly. And it’s not something I want to mark my life. As I drove away, I made a commitment to God to be more aware of the pride in my life. When a friend or acquaintance approaches me and asks how they can help, I commit to thinking of a way they can help. And if I really don’t need physical help at that moment, ask them to pray for me. I am a human. I don’t have it all together nor will I ever. There are days I will need help. And I want to receive it instead of rejecting it. I am thankful for the Dad’s response at Aldi that morning. It helped me to take a hard look at my life and see the ugly pride.

Uproot the pride

How about you? What ways do you refuse help? What areas of your life do you struggle with pride? Listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him take help you uproot the pride. You will be a lot lighter. I promise!

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” –James 4:6