I’m being offered help and reparation for all that I do and I have trouble accepting. Sounds silly, but in my mind I’m thinking of all the reasons why accepting gifts and help won’t benefit me. I’m used to operating at break neck speeds to keep this house running like a well oiled machine, why indulge in extracurricular activities or delegate tasks to someone else when I could do the tasks myself and save time by not partaking in extracurricular stuff?
Here’s why:
1. The people you nurture get joy and satisfaction out of nurturing you
P31v28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her.
Allowing others to help and/or give to you in return for your dedication blesses them. It gives them a way to show their thanks. If you don’t allow them to show that, they may sense that you don’t feel that their offering is good enough. They never get the satisfaction of feeling like they have in some way given to you. We all know that real love gives, and if someone isn’t allowed to give to you, you prohibit them from showing you love.
2. If no one offered to nurture you, you’d feel neglected. No elaboration needed.
3. If you don’t allow yourself to be nurtured, you’ll burn out.
Some of us don’t like feeling as if we’re getting a handout. We’re very self reliant. We’re accustomed to being the one that gives, so being the recipient is almost like a demotion. But there comes a time when a team, a support team, is absolutely necessary because the power of one is simply not enough to get the job done. I’d rather have a support team than life support.
4. It’s a byproduct of being a nurturer
P31v31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
The Proverbs 31 woman is the word nurture personified. Nurture means:
1. to feed and protect
2. to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; foster
3. to bring up; train; educate.
All of these things are what the P31 does for others and the Bible clearly says REWARD her for all she has done. All she has done is undeniably deserving of praise.
Allow others to support you and encourage you without all the theatrics, it comes off as prideful and untrustworthy. If you don’t like the way people choose to support you, educate them on what is truly helpful to you. What people do for you may never equal what you have poured out, but receive it without question. God proudly receives the praises of those that love Him and we will never be able to repay what has been given. I want to be more like Him.
