How bold are you when it comes to asking others for something you want or need?
I recently traveled to Atlanta and while procuring a rental car, I asked the clerk what type of automobiles were available, “What kind of car do you want?” He replied.
“I want something cool and fun, but I’m sure that equates to something expensive.”
The clerk replied, “I’ve got a Dodge Challenger, but it’s $40.00 more than the cheapest car.”
“In that case, I’ll take the econo car…unless you can give me the Challenger for the cheap car price?”
He said, “Sorry, I can’t do that.” But after he did my paperwork, he smiled, winked, and said, “I’m giving you the ‘Friends and Family’ discount…enjoy the Challenger for the econo car price.” Needles to say, I was shocked…but pumped.
Driving that muscle car was so much fun. I felt cool-like I was 21…not 41. With the windows down and radio blasting, I could hear my “inner 21year-old” yelling, “Drive it like you stole it!” But instead, I drove it like I was 41-which meant, boring!
My gracious rental car representative reminded me that often, I have not because I ask not. I can’t tell you how many times, as a leader, I’ve needed more help, more resources, and more man-power, however, they were nowhere to be found…that is, until I actually got bold enough to “make the ask.” Then, the things I needed magically began to appear. Go figure!
What’s your greatest need right now? Maybe you’re married and what you need most is time with your spouse. Have you asked them to spend time with you-maybe a date night? Or perhaps you’re struggling to make ends meet and what you need is a raise from your employer. Have you asked your boss if that’s even a possibility? Maybe you’re single and feeling alone, like you have no friends. When’s the last time you asked someone to grab lunch or coffee, catch a movie, or simply just hang out?
Maybe you have not because you ask not.
The harsh reality is that you and I have no right to complain about that which we do not have, if we’ve failed to communicate, to the right people, what our need is. Here’s a crazy idea: instead of assuming that others can read your mind, how about getting bold and simply “making the ask?” You never know-it just might work.
Think about it.
My word this year is help…I struggle with asking for it when I need it..this spoke volumes. Thanks!
Thanks for your transparency, Cristy. I struggle with it at times, too, particularly when it’s something that I really need. Asking for the car was easy. Humbling myself to admit I need “help” is another thing!
Thanks for taking My One Word to heart!
-Danny
Good word. It’s so hard for us as leaders to get on board with this. I fight that tendency as well, the tendency to do it myself as though I’m the only one who can. It’s amazing how God uses our boldness to ask to allow others to serve in a capacity they may have never thought possible. I’m trying to keep my eyes peeled for those people to ask.
And I would have smoked the tires on the Challenger just once. 🙂
Great car, I’m jealous!!!
I rarely have a problem asking for things in the natural world. Its requesting things of a spiritual nature that tends to render me speechless. I’ve asked God for things in the past (peace, patience, kindness, self control, you know where I’m going with this…Gal 5:22-24) and many times He is quick to respond (sometimes too quick). I remember one time, while driving in my car, asking God to help me to be more patient. A moment later I had to wait in a ridiculously long line of traffic in an area that is usually fast moving. (Jeesh!)
My point is this: be careful what you ask for…you just might get it. And if you get it, be ready to know what to do with it!
Shalom