Learning how and when to trust

“You need someone and someone needs you. To make this thing called

life work, we have to lean and support. And relate and respond. And

give and take. And confess and forgive. And reach out and embrace.”

-- Charles R. Swindoll

I don’t really enjoy admitting my mistakes. Frankly, I’d often

rather deny some things I’ve said or done rather than to come clean

with them. I wrote recently about me inadvertently filling my car

with racing gasoline. Obviously this was nothing tragic, just dumb

and fairly costly on my part. Rather than avoiding telling others,

I’ve learned that God does something interesting when I confess my

faults or failings. In some cases it leads to something light like

laughter, but in other instances, it has led to freedom, forgiveness

or feeling closer to others.

God has showed me in numerous creative ways that the sooner I

share more of my weaknesses, the sooner I can experience his

strength. The quicker I am honest about how I’m hurting, the better

chance I have of healing. I can be such a slow learner and sometimes

I wait longer than I need to ask for help.

More than a month ago, I enjoyed a fun, albeit unusual day, which

involved moving furniture as well as a slight fender-bender. The day

also included a stressful situation with friends, but there were

highlights, too. I’m not sure if it was any of those specifics, or a

combination of many things, but later it finally dawned on me that my

neck and lower back were not feeling quite normal. Actually, they

were tight and uncomfortable.

I finally decided to go to my chiropractor and I explained the

situation and my symptoms. “How long ago did this happen?” he asked

with a knowing smile. I answered and he said, “Well, Cindy, that’s

quicker than I thought. You’re learning.”

He suggested that if I wanted to feel better quickly, I should see

him more consistently for awhile and also to have a massage to loosen

some tight muscles.

I wrestled with that idea for awhile because it seemed

self-indulgent, but a counselor friend of mine explained to me that

we all need to know when to be responsible to take care of ourselves,

whether our “self-care” be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

He also said there is a time to ask for help from others,

something I am not also quick or eager to do. I decided to get a

massage, which helped tremendously.

Lori, the massage therapist, mentioned she’s learned there is an

important balance and connection between helping others as well as

letting others reach out to her.

“I have to receive from others so that I can give my best,” Lori

said.

I heard a message in the massage.

That is obviously only a minor example, but it encouraged me to

step outside my comfort zone and ask a wise friend to give me her

counsel about an issue in my life. I’m slowly learning that when I

need help, it’s best when I ask God as well as trusted others.

I’m also learning that the sooner, the better.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. Her column runs on Fridays. She may

be reached via e-mail at cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at

P.O. Box 6140-No. 505, Newport Beach, CA 92658.