Last night I was cutting up a box for today's recycling day when my pocket knife slipped, cutting my thumb.
I came inside trying to stop the blood, telling my wife what had happened while heading to the bathroom to bandage the wound.
"Do you need some help?" she asked.
"No, I got it, thanks."
Ever try to open band-aids while your thumb is bleeding? Teeth make a poor substitute for the extra hand. At one point I even had a useless band-aid stuck to my lip! I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, looking ridiculous!
Finally I was able to get the bleeding under control. As I sat there looking at the bathroom counter that had now taken on the appearance of a crime scene, I had one question in my mind.
Why didn't I accept my wife's offer to help?
I wasn't upset, I could clearly have used the help, and there was no shame in accepting the gracious offer. Yet my first reaction was to refuse and try to take care of my "wound" myself.
Now some of you reading this may say, "because you're a man!"
But I think it goes deeper than that. I think we forget we have others in our lives to lean on, and ultimately we have our Father in Heaven waiting to bandage our wounds if only we would let Him.
If ever there was a man's man, King David was it. Slayer of bears, lions, giants and enemies in battle. Yet in his time of need, he cried out to the Lord.
Let's learn from him.
"Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me." Psalms 86:1-7 (NIV)
-MB
