During the spring I asked my husband to purchase a water hose for my vegetable garden. When he returned, he immediately began stretching it out. Then, he so kindly hooked it up for me. I didn’t say it, but a thought came to me that I learned from my father. Countless times he would say, “The best way to do something is to do it yourself!” I wondered, why on earth didn’t he buy the best quality hose that would last longer and always roll out without any kinks.

Over the years, I can honestly say that I’ve learned that having that mind set can cost in the long run. Whether it was telling my children to skip their chores, refusing for someone to volunteer to push the mower and help, or letting someone volunteer to help in the garden. I’ve always practiced a determination to get the job done right. And who better to do that?

Eventually, I paid for all my hard efforts physically, and in more ways than I can count. I should have let others try their hand at learning some skills, and saved myself a trip to the chiropractor. But when I gave in and allowed help, I recall on many occasions when people didn’t meet my standard or make perfect timing, I would say something I shouldn’t.

Have you ever made anyone feel like their best wasn’t good enough? A child, your older children or maybe your spouse?

If we were to say that phrase to God, I don’t believe that He would be pleased, do you? Do you think that’s what we say without saying it, when we take matters into our hands? I’m sure Jesus would give me a personal illustration about getting the kinks out of my own hose.

It’s a fact that some people are lazy, slack, sloppy, and with no work ethics or even those that have a negative outlook on life, and on those occasions, it can be hard to bite one’s tongue. But if I slow down and take the time to reflect, I can see the best way to do something is to allow the Holy Spirit to do it through us.

~Question: “Does your actions prove that you must think you know the best way to do something?”

The Bible says in Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”