A young boy was unsuccessful in moving a heavy stone.  His father, who was watching, asked if the lad was sure he was using all his strength.  “Yes I am,” said the exasperated boy.  The father replied, “No you’re not; you haven’t asked me to help you.”  So it is with God.  He watches and waits patiently for us to ask for His help.

In the past when our home was filled with four young sons, I never missed an opportunity to ask for God’s help… multiple times during the busy day and if not help from God, then from our Mother Mary.  “Please help me get all the chores done today.”  Please help me get the boys to sports practice on time.”  “Please help my sick little one feel better.”

In the beginning, things would be bordering on chaotic before I stopped to call upon God.  When I finally asked, the day went from chaotic to smooth running.  So I learned to ask God for help in the morning, before my day started, before my feet touched the floor.  “Help me, God, to get everything done today.”   Days that I thought would be out of control were tamed.  Not only tamed, but the entire household seemed more peaceful.  Or perhaps it was me…my attitude was changed.

When back in the workplace, I had an open line to God.  “Please help me with this project.”  “Help me with this presentation.”  “Give me some new innovative ideas.”   At my desk, in my car, there was always that dialogue with God, that plea for help.  Sometimes I was so busy and so stressed the “please” was forgotten.  Just, shear cries for help.  Sometimes I didn’t have time to tell Him exactly what I needed and then it was “God, help me.”  I figured He would know.

Then along came retirement.  You would think things would slow down, stressors gone.  But, no; it’s just different busy and different stressors.  There are household chores that once were finished in no time at all now take twice as long.  There are new health issues to deal with daily and, hence, more doctor visits.  Problems with children run in cycle and as they say, “Little children, little problems; big children, big problems.”

I find that as I get older, I still need God’s help.  Help to complete all the things that must be done each day and help to remember  what those things are!  Help to have patience with any limitations hubby and I have developed over time.  Help to have the strength to support my children in difficult times and help for the wisdom to know when all I can do is pray for them.  And lastly, help in finding times of “peace and tranquility” in my days.

What I have learned over the years is that, indeed, God is my strength.  I don’t know how I would have managed without Him.

May God bless you with peace and tranquility.

Sharyn

Dear God,  Thank you for all Your help over the years; for always being there for me.  Amen.