The twofold gift of gifts...

{It's time for a draft from the past! This seems particularly pertinent, so I have added some conclusions and I hope it still makes sense.} Something I've had to practice lately is submitting myself to be served. Like anyone else, I'm very independent and dislike showing signs of weakness. I'm thankful for those gentlemanly men I know that so readily exhibit chivalry when I need it (and when I don't). I have come to welcome a strong pair of hands that will carry a heavy package, or hold the door open when ones hands are full (and even if they're not). What I have sometimes struggled with is admitting a weakness, a need for help in other areas. When someone asks how they can help it can be difficult to say how much you need a meal, a visit, an extra pair of hands to clean up the house. It feels downright selfish to ask someone to do something for yourself. What I've had to learn is that sometimes we have to open up ourselves to be willing to accept blessings. People don't always know particular needs unless you being attention to it. We can't expect to always be on the giving end and not the receiving. When you see a need, don't wait to be asked, just do it. If someone asks you what they can do to help, be honest and you will be allowing much blessing to both to the giver and the receiver.