It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask

“Wouldn’t it be great if this is the last helmet and we were done before her 1st birthday?” I had been holding these hopes in silence but blurted them out as Carlos and I walked into the orthotics appointment last Tuesday. He looked at me and said, “I was praying that we would be completely done with helmets today.” “Well, we are getting measurements today so it means at least one more, but yeah, that would be great”, I replied.

You know the rest of the story, we did the measurements and got the great news and a partial “yes” to our prayers, no helmet for two weeks while they make her new and last one.

I couldn’t help but think back at Carlos’ boldness in prayer. I find myself asking for the small things. “Don’t ask too much” is usually my motto, probably because I won’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t pan out. Carlos on the other hand doesn’t put limits on his prayers. He has taught me time and time again, it never hurts to ask.

He first taught me this lesson with an expired coupon at a restaurant. “Just ask them if they’ll take it.” “But it is EXPIRED,” I replied, “why would they take it after it is expired? They are gonna get mad if I ask.” Carlos reasoned with me, “What is the worst they could say? No? But what if they say ‘yes’?” I couldn’t argue with his logic, so I asked the server and they honored the coupon.

Since then I have ventured out in asking people for small mercies. To my surprise no has ever gotten angry (well, there was that one time in Italy). Some have said no, many have said yes and assured me that the favor I asked was doable and that they were happy to oblige. I have been surprised time and time again with the realization that strangers and acquaintances enjoy serving, they want to be asked and invited to serve. Fear of hearing “no”, fear of making someone upset, fear of making myself vulnerable for asking a “stupid question”, and fear of breaking the rules had prevented me from seeing and experiencing this truth.

While I have learned this lesson with others I haven’t learned it well with God. The Scriptures demonstrate time and time again that God is more generous than the most generous father, mother, sibling, judge, neighbor, friend, so and so forth but I get caught up in the idea of being a burden, or a nag. Even so, God has demonstrated His goodness by answering my hopes before I have spoken them into prayer. And today, He showed me once again, “Be bold. Ask me. Do not be afraid.”

We had a phone call this morning.

“Hi Elena, it’s Orthotics. I sent the measurements and imaging over to Plastic Surgery and Neurosurgery and they are canceling the order for the next helmet. We are all pleased with her progress and measurements, you won’t need to come in for any future appointments.”

I am so grateful today that Maggie has a Papa who isn’t afraid to ask and a Heavenly Father who enjoys being invited to give mercy.