To call or not to call...

The other day I was reading a book, the one I wrote, and I was struck by these words, "I didn't want to be a burden." I stopped and thought to myself, "Why do I always feel that way? Do I see others as a burden to me?"

Honestly I don't know the answer to my first question, but I don't think I see others as a burden. I treasure the people in my life, enjoy spending time with them and am grateful when I hear from them.

The thought I read on that page is one that's often run through my mind...perhaps you've felt the same. You long to talk with someone, but you're afraid to pick up the phone because of your fear of bothering the one who will answer your call. Or maybe you need some help but you neglect asking because everyone is busy and you don't want to be a burden.

In the days following my thoughts about these words I was feeling a bit disconnected and kind of isolated. I'd sent a few emails and left a couple of voice messages, but hadn't really talked to anyone. Then for 3 straight days in conversations with friends I heard, "When is a good time to call you? I don't want to bother you." "Thanks for calling...I never know when to catch you." "I know you're busy and I don't want to be a burden, but if you have a minute..."

By the time my third friend said this I got the point God was trying to make. My friends are NOT a burden or a bother to me. I appreciate them asking about my schedule and not wanting to interrupt our day, but I love hearing from them and value our conversations. As I looked at things from the other point of view, I thought about the moments I've been the one sharing the famous line. Chances are I don't bother my friends and neither do you.

I thought about this and came up with a question: What motivates me - the fear of being a burden or the joy of blessing another? I hate to admit all to often I'm motivated by fear and often miss the joy. How about you? The thing is in our fear of burdening another we're often only burdening ourselves...as we neglect connecting with others we force ourselves to walk alone and carry our burdens by ourselves. I know how I feel when I hear from a friend or am asked to help...grateful, encouraged and blessed! What if someone feels the same when I'm the one asking or calling?

Friend, as I thought about all of this God took it a step further and took the title of this post and made it personal - "Jill, what about the moments when you decide to call or not to call Me?" I wish I could say that was never a dilemma, but I'd be lying. There have been moments when I felt the same...God's busy, I don't want to bother Him with this.

As He reveals the truth to me about my friends He's reminding the same is true for Him. He wants to hear from me, and you. He is never too busy and no problem is too BIG or small. He commands us to ask, seek and knock. Will you join me in doing just that today?

Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; 

knock and the door 

will be opened to you. 

Matthew 7:7