I don’t like going to the doctor. No, that’s an understatement – I hate going to the doctor. It makes me feel vulnerable. I hate all the attention, all the questions (I don’t pay attention to pesky things like symptoms!), and the fact that I’m depending on someone else for my well-being. If I’m sick, I’d rather curl up in bed and stick it out.
Ironically, my instinct to self-protect does just the opposite. It tempts me to stay away from the person who would help me the most! Denial is not my friend – I really won’t get better on my own.
There’s a tendency we have when we’re hurting emotionally, too, to self-protect. We don’t want to risk exposure, even though it’s the one thing that will keep us on track spiritually. Whether it’s a season of tough temptation or just a difficult and emotionally draining circumstance, I’ve seen people drop out of church at the time they need it most.
There’s a cost to being vulnerable, and it takes a humble person to admit they need help (one of my least favorite things in the world). But the fact is that we need each other; that’s the way God made us.
So on Sunday mornings, I’m going to commit to be there even when I’m hurting, to let people know and ask for help, and to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. We’re all in the same boat, after all…
No comments:
Post a Comment