Wednesday; May 16

Isn’t it nice to have people interested in our lives?  Isn’t it great when people are willing to contribute to our needs or help us out with a struggle we are enduring?  While the answer to both of these questions is yes – generosity typically comes with a price:  accountability.  When people take it upon themselves to be involved in our lives they might ease our burden, but they also tend to want to become involved in our business.  Sure, it might be nice to be able to ask for and receive assistance without any strings attached, but the reality is that it  usually doesn’t happen that way.  When people help, they become invested in our lives – and often, they get themselves involved in our lives.
The reason for this observation is two-fold.  First, when we start to ask for (or accept) the help of others we must be aware of this possibility.  It may not always happen, but it very well might happen.  Secondly, when we accept the help of others, we should be prepared for their advice, intervention and maybe even them attempting to exert their influence in our decisions.  It would be great if we didn’t have to ask for assistance – and we could do everything on our own – but, few of us will find ourselves in that position.  So, we must ask ourselves is it worth it ... are we willing to endure the accountability to receive the help?
I don’t know if there is a right or wrong way to interpret this condition of assistance, I guess I just wanted to get the cards on the table.  The old adage says, “There is no such thing as a free meal.” and often the tab we pay is other’s involvement.  Is it worth it – that’s a question that only you can answer.
Think About It!

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