But, I’m a big kid.

If I had a dollar for every time my four year old told me she was “a big girl” and “not a baby,” I would probably be rich in a week. She is constantly reminding me that she can handle tasks on her own and that she doesn’t need my help. Yet, again and again, she will try to carry too much, or climb too high, or forget something that she told me she didn’t need me to get for her. All of that is to be expected. She is four.

Of course, sometimes I jump in and help in an obvious way. Occasionally, (ok more than occasionally) I will remind her that she is still my little girl and needs my help and that she always will.

However, many times, I will just bring the thing I knew she would want but forgot, or I will help her carry the burden without her knowing my hand is even on it.

The most satisfying moments though, are when she says, “Daddy I need you help”. In those moments I love to take the burden completely, and yes I feel a little like Superman when she looks up at me, amazed that I can carry all that. There may be no better moment in earth than when she says “wow Daddy, you’re really strong!”

I guess in all of this I see God and myself. So many times I want to convince myself and Him that I am strong, that I can handle it. Truth be told, He is helping me carry my burdens even when I don’t see it.

Of course, if I know anything from being a father, I know He isn’t helping me begrudgingly. He is helping me because He loves me and knows when I am in over my head, even when I do not see it myself.

I also know that He loves to hear me ask for His help. Why? Because he loves to help me. And, He loves when I adore Him for His help.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Today, what are you trying to carry without asking your Heavenly Father for help?

How many times are you going to get stuck or fall and mess everything up before you ask for help?

Why? Why try to bear it alone? He wants to help. He’s waiting to help! He’s already helping!

But… He sure would love to hear you ask.