As a child, there were many sermons that came across the pulpit that went in one ear and out the other. Sometimes that was due in part to the Nancy Drew books I was hiding from sight just rows in front of the podium. But one story did take hold of me, and it’s made an impact on how I try to live and the message I share with my clients. And since the town I grew up in was hit hard by the ravaging flood waters of Hurricane Floyd back in the 1990’s, it had a greater impact on me.
Just like my town, a merciless flood began to quickly sweep through the town, destroying all in its path. One man knew he needed some help to make it out alive, so he began to pray, “Please, God, help me! I’m not perfect, but I try, and these flood waters are really scaring me. Amen.”
But as he opened his eyes and looked around him, the flood waters were still pouring in and would soon fill up his home. So he went to the church on the hill- you know, to have more power behind his prayer. On the way, a boat passed by and offered the man a ride to safety. he replied, “No thanks! I’ve got faith, and I’ve prayed to the Lord and I’m on my way to church just now. The Lord will save me!” So the boat kept rowing.
The man arrived at the church and knew the water would quickly fill it, too. So he went on the roof, to be closer to heaven, and again prayed, “Please, God, help me! I’m not perfect, but I try, and these flood waters are really scaring me. Amen.”
As he opened his eyes, the rapidly rising waters were quickly approaching the roof of the church. Just as panic set in, a man on a big speed boat came by, and he offered the man a ride to safety. But once again, he replied, “No thanks! I’ve got faith, and I’ve prayed to the Lord and He’ll save me!” So the boat kept going.
But the unforgiving flood waters did not recede, Instead, their fury drove the man to climb the steeple, where he fervently uttered, “Please, God, help me! I’m not perfect, but I try, and these flood waters are really scaring me. Amen.” As he clung to the steeple for dear life, a helicopter appeared just above him, with a rope ladder just inches away. But the man shook his head and yelled to the pilot, “No thanks! I’ve got faith, and I’ve prayed to the Lord and He’ll save me!” So the helicopter flew away to rescue others.
Well, you can probably guess that our friend, the man clinging to the church steeple, drowned. As he approached the pearly gates, he couldn’t believe that his prayers had gone unanswered. His faith hung in the balance and he just had to know why he had drowned. After some convincing, St. Peter allowed him to ask his question to the Lord.
The Lord’s reply, “Well I sent you two boats and a helicopter! What more did you want?”
How often have you opened your eyes and immediately felt the dread of the day before you? How often have you wished for a personal assistant? Less on your to-do list? Someone to make everything ok? And yet, how often have you turned down eager requests to help you? How often have you said “Yes” to yet another task because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings?
Today, I encourage you not to turn down any boats, helicopters, neighbors, co-workers, friends or spouses who try to help you. So what if the sheet is hanging out from underneath the quilt after they made the bed? Their love, support and help is invaluable.
Did you find this post helpful? Are you interested in learning more about simple things you can do in your life to decrease your stress and to increase your happiness? Then be sure to grab your copy of my free e-book, “Is Stress Controlling Your Life? 3 Things to Stop Doing Now (and What You Should Do Instead)” by clicking on the link and entering in your email address. You’ll find some great tips to get you started TODAY on the path to more happiness!