Asking for Help

I struggle asking for help.

Here’s what I thought mom Jen would look like before I had my son Ryder almost 4 years ago:

I moved gracefully throughout my day, balancing work/life/home duties with the utmost ease and the most positive attitude. I rarely complained, and still got dressed in cute outfits and put on makeup daily. My house was spic and span, and I did those little detailed things for my son and his class like fancy Valentines and sports snacks for soccer games. I cooked a home cooked meal every night. Oh—and I did it all by myself.

Are you laughing, too? Because I am!!

Now things look more like what you all know to be true about parenthood:

Watching the sunrise with my son. Messy bun hair, maybe makeup a few days a week. A crammed schedule—within reason, I’ve been working on it!—and little pockets of time throughout the day for whatever task I can get done in five minutes. A floor that’s so dirty you can feel the sand sticking to your bare feet. Don’t even LOOK at the laundry situation. Home cooked meals yes—but every day? Not a chance. And I CAN’T do it alone.

It’s that last part that I struggle with most. The being tired? I’m getting over it and moving on. The dirry floors? I got a roomba (it’s not perfect but it does the job). But WHY, for the love of God, do I still set those unrealistic expectations on myself of being able to accomplish everything I want without help?

I’m surrounded by people in my life who provide immense support. My husband. My family. My team. And slowly, this year in particular, I’ve been practicing asking for more working hours when I need them for my business, a nap when it’s a dire situation (you guys have been there), and throwing in the towel and making a frozen dinner when I don’t have the energy to cook.

I noticed something that really stood out to me at church the other day too—it’s medium hard for me to ask people in my life for help, but it feels DOUBLE hard for me to ask the Lord for help. But it’s HIS help, the water that will “well up to eternal life,” that I really need on the daily.

This is my prayer: “Lord, give me rest. Lord, give me peace. Lord, help me ask you for help, and show me your will for my day tomorrow.” When I am consistent about asking God for help, that’s when I find the grace to get through the day peacefully and positively.

What do you struggle with when it comes to asking for help? Hit reply and let me know—I know I’m not alone in this!