RoslynReynolds.com

It’s Time!

Posted On Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Under: Building Self-Confidence, Friends

I looked out the window at the bare branches that had, only days ago, been covered with brilliant-hued leaves. Now, those leaves covered the grass, and if left there, would become a heavy layer of muck to be raked up next Spring after our heavy Utah snows finally melt.

I felt it in my heart – it’s time! Time to pull on the sweatshirt, pull out the rakes, and pull the trash can up the driveway to the back yard to be filled with these piles of evidence of another great summer.

As I rake, I think of other areas in my life where it might be time to do a little cleaning up. I picture the piles of papers, music, and books that, if I only scheduled a little bit of time for regularly, could disappear.I remember the time one visiting daughter offered to give me just a half-hour, and of the progress we made on those piles.

I received an email this morning from Raymond Aaron, a financial guru, suggesting that if we have a job that overwhelms us to the point of not doing it, one solution is to invite someone else to help us.

I have found that to be a good idea. I frequently invite my children to come help me with big projects in the house or yard. (Granted, they are aware that if the ‘invitation’ is refused, there could be consequences!) I have in the past invited friends to come help with a quilt, or to join in a canning session when our garden’s harvest has been extra-abundant.

And since my husband died, I have been less reluctant to ask other women who are alone to come join me as I tackle a project that has me feeling overwhelmed. They know that the invitation is reciprocal, and that I am happy to join them for their tasks, too.

Laura Ingalls Wilder, in her Little House on the Prarie books, tells of neighbors gathering to help each other dig wells, build homes, and clear land. There was a sense of community and caring that grew out of sharing their need and their strength. In our culture we are more prone to either hire someone to help us, or to just not tackle the project. I believe we miss out when we don’t welcome the opportunity to help our neighbors and to ask for help when we need it.

So, if it’s time for something in your life that you’ve been putting off, and you can’t face it alone, call on a friend or relative. Two heads are better than one, and four hands more than double the effectiveness of two!

It’s time!

-Roslyn

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