Before you say, "No thank you."

Regardless of who you are, chances are someone is always looking up or to you for something, known or unknown. As a mother my children daily come to me for help, to answer questions, to make things better, for nourishment, for guidance, for love, and for an example. I definitely feel like I have to have things figured out or at least have an idea how to provide all these things for them, and it worries me when I can't or don't; like somehow this would mean a failure as a parent. When did we stop seeking to know and instead think we have it all figured out or at least feel the need to pretend we know everything, because heaven forbid us being clueless. Is this the fantasy of what independence looks like? Or is it just our pride getting the best of us or keeping the best of us away from those that could need us (or us them)?

I have to admit that I was one of the many who felt it was a sign of weakness to need something from someone as an adult. It developed over time, maybe by being disappointed by others, but that doesn't excuse withholding opportunities from those who genuinely would do anything to help out. I thought I had to be strong alone. Being knocked down in life will definitely breathe new perspective in your life. It is frustrating and sad to be on the end of seeking others out only to be turned away. Maybe it is ignorance that we do such a thing but at times the offerer needs you more than you need them. An older sister in a previous ward asked if she could be of help. Without hesitation I answered that I was fine and that I'd let her know if I needed anything. To this she responded, "No, you won't." This dear sister's genuine concern was quickly brushed off at initiation. I was so surprised to be called out in my polite response of what I thought was letting her down easy when she took it as an insult and false promise that I would take her up on her invitation. I have countless times been on the receiving end of being turned down with similar politeness, and always remember that incident. I too think, "No, you won't."

Do we do the same when God invites us to let him into our lives? Do you respond with "thanks but no thanks," or worse even a flat out, "I don't need you."

"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not..." 2 Nephi 9:28

There is a story I heard about a woman receiving notice that the Savior would be visiting her for dinner. She set out to preparing her home to receive him and as she rushed throughout the day a man came to her door three different times asking for help. Each time she rushed him away telling him that she was too busy. After working hard all day to prepare things for his arrival, she sat patiently waiting, but he never showed. Very bothered by this, she wrote him expressing her disappointment. To her letter he responded that he showed up three times, but that each time she dismissed him.

Maybe it is rushing to prepare for many good things in life or dealing with the crazy that comes from living life, that we often overlook the divine assistance that is sent our way. Whether that be a prompting to say our morning prayer, taking a moment to read the scriptures, making time to help another in need or just because, allowing someone to serve and minister to us, our Savior manifests his light and love in a variety of ways, either to help us or another. Cast aside your ignorance and pride and look up. Look up! Witness there are angels around you sent to bear you up in your times of need as well as times of peace.

"And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches--yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them." 2 Nephi 9:42

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught:

"Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most." (Uchtdorf, 2010, Of Things That Matter Most).

We make time for what is important to us. What are we saying when we put our to-do list above what God needs for us? You don't have to wait for tragedy to strike in your life to seek out God. Seek him in times of peace and "...pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice." (2 Nephi 9:52).

Before you say, "no thank you," make sure it is not to the things of God (the things that matter most). I promise you that the more you seek God in life, the more you will see his hand in yours.