Sharing, not just for children

Being a mom of children, you can bet that we talk a LOT about sharing.

"Allyssa, share those blocks with David."
"Mom! Kaytlin's trying to bandit my train!"
"Choose one that she can play with."
"In two minutes, let your brother have a turn."

Sometimes though, adults need a lesson in sharing, too.

I read once in a book probably by Jill Savage that when someone offers to help, you should try to say yes. Sometimes, the person needs to help you more than you need the help. Sometimes, you need the help more than you are willing to admit it. Sometimes, you might just make a friend.

Here are some examples:
Friend walks into your kitchen at a get together: Can I help you with something?
Now you can either say yes or no. 1. You might not really need help. 2. You might want to do it yourself because you like the way you do things. 3. You might need help and have trouble admitting it. 4. You might want help, need help, or value help and say yes right away!

1. You might not need help, but your friend might need to get out of the living room because she felt awkward because she doesn't feel she knows anyone in the group. Helping in the kitchen is a great way for her to feel involved. Here you could say, "Well, I think I have everything under control, but if you are really wanting to do something, you can get the cups out of that cabinet right there. If you don't want to though, it's okay." This gives her the opportunity to not do anything if she was just trying to be cordial, but also gives her the opportunity to find sanctuary in your kitchen.
2. You want to do it yourself because it is your kitchen and you have a certain way that you like to do things. That's all fine and good, but sometimes, it is important to share (gasp) even if it is your own kitchen (double gasp). Perhaps you can say, "I really like the way that I do things, but if you really want to help, you can put water in this jug for me and then put it right here on the counter." This lets your friend know that you want things done your way, but you are still offering her a project to do if she needs one. It also lets her know exactly how you want something done. Then while she's working on it, she might ask, "Is this the right way to put water in the jug?" Here she will be showing you respect, making sure that she is doing it correctly, and showing that she is thankful for the sanctuary that you offered her in your kitchen.
3. You might need help but have trouble admitting it. You'll likely look disheveled, save yourself from looking sweaty and disheveled and take her up on it. If you HAVE to justify it in some way, tell yourself, "Maybe she needed a sanctuary in my kitchen. I might have just helped her." In all honesty, she probably just saw the sweat beads forming and wondered what would happen next if she didn't help. She likely is helping save your face. Get over yourself, and take her up on this gracious offer. She's a blessing to you!
4. I'm glad that there are people like you.

While this story is about a woman in the kitchen, please apply this to all areas of your life. Sharing is good. Let's work on being better sharers.