...Asking

I've heard the saying a thousand times "You won't know unless you ask". I have never assumed it to be false, but in situations where it applies, I have always assumed the worst. I'm usually an optimistic person, but when it comes to asking things for myself I freeze. Silly thoughts pop in my head like "they will never agree to that" or "you'll offend them". Convinced I already know the answer to be "no", I refrain from asking to save myself from the disappointment.

Maybe it's an issue with pride. Maybe it's an issue with trusting other people. Maybe it's an issue with not having control. Whatever the root may be, I'm starting to recognize the damage it can cause to have this mindset. Instead of saying "It can't hurt to ask", I think "It can hurt not to ask" might be more appropriate.

My faith in asking has been renewed as of late by God's provision through the Canadian company Elfe. They are Canada's largest distributor of children's products and trusted brands. I learned this when doing some research for a stroller. We stumbled upon a free Joovy Caboose sit and ride stroller with only two catches; it was missing a buckle to the front seat and the universal car seat adapter was not included. Otherwise, it was in great shape and of course; FREE! As I knew a mom in my neighborhood who was looking for something similar, I jumped on the opportunity.

Hours were spent online trying to figure out how I could bring back life into this incredible stroller. After reading reviews, product descriptions and the like I noticed that the Joovy support team kept referring the Canadian clients to Elfe. I reached out to them with my predicament. Within a week and some information exchanges, they mailed me the universal car seat adapter; free of charge!

While unboxing the adapter it hit me. I was able to ask without hesitation and put in all this work when it was for someone else. So why wouldn't I do the same for myself? There is a fine line between humility and false humility. The kicker is that false humility is pride. Having a pity party for myself or exalting myself above others puts myself in the center of the world, and both do damage.

Today I asked and received something good from God. If I had done my usual assuming and not put myself in a place of vulnerability to receive, I would have never been able to see such an inspiring provision. I'm still unsure if the stroller will work for the mother I had in mind, but at least this time I asked.

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Matthew 7:7

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you"