06/11/2025
"For as smart as he was, he could never get out."
This is Rudy, our beloved dog who loved to get beside or behind the couch. It was true, he always had to ask for help to get out of the predicament. He is no longer with us but when the pictures show up in our photo memories, they always bring a smile, a laugh, and a quick text to one another.
As my daughter and I bantered back and forth about his silly antics she ended with the above statement : "For as smart as he was, he could never get out." As I read that, I immediately thought, So true!" Then it landed...don't we ALL find ourselves in these tricky situations of our own doing; I know I have many times in small ways and very big ways. We then wonder how we got there...
I like to think of myself as an intelligent person but I guess that is one of the hard things about being human; we all make choices, decisions, go down rabbit holes (or in Rudy's case, under a table) that leads us to an unexpected result.
Also being human, we try to hide our predicaments and situations or try to figure it out ourselves when it would be wiser to ask for help. We do this due to embarrassment, many other reasons but worst of all shame or guilt. This serves no one well! I'm not saying there shouldn't be consequences, that is a conversation for another day. This is about Grace, compassion, and understanding.
Rudy never failed to ask for help with a sad look or maybe a whimper. I wish we all could do the same - ask for help (sad look and whimper optional). There are two roles in this to have a positive outcome:
1) The person asking must set aside their ego, pride and shame. They eventually need to look in the proverbial mirror to take responsibility of their actions but in the moment, they need to ask for help.
2) The person being asked gets to have their moment of surprise/shock or whatever is appropriate but them quickly come with compassion, understanding and patience.
It is important for everyone to have Grace and forgiveness for themselves and the other person. Yes, Grace goes both ways as the person being asked may not handle it the best but they showed up and did their best just as the person asking is not standing in their finest moment so let's learn to stand in the mess together the best we can. It is not easy but necessary for the wound to heal and the lesson to be learned.
May we all find Grace for ourselves and others as we navigate this adventure called life. I am grateful for my pastor who often reminds us "Our worst thing is not our last thing." Let's journey together as kindly as possible.
Peace and Blessings to each of you.
