Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God. Proverbs 3:7
Years ago when we were serving in Bowdon, Randy decided to take on the project of putting together a swing set for the kids. If you know Randy, then you ascertain, correctly, that this is a monumental task for him. He ordered the set, unloaded it into the basement garage, and locked himself down there for the duration. It was to be a surprise. On the second day of listening to banging, frustrated words, and out of sheer curiosity, I went down to check on the progress. Now, I assumed that he was putting it together in sections and would then move the sections outside to assemble. Never assume. I really hated to mention that the set might not make it through the garage doors, so I simply asked if he had measured to be sure?! The answer was “no.”
A few weeks ago, I was the “Mystery Reader” for my youngest grandson, Reese’s class. I assumed that I would be reading the book, but Reese surprised me and showed me what a great reader he is! He read it sight unseen! I was so proud! Never assume!
I wonder how many times we assume a lot about others just looking on the outside. There are many times when I hear of a divorce, an illness, a suicide, an addiction, or other terrible situation, or even more happily an unexpected accomplishment, and hear myself and others saying, “Well, I would have never guessed that about them.” We assume that all is well, but we haven’t bothered to listen to what they are Not telling us or showing. We don’t bother to check in and see how people are really coping with life. We hesitate to get involved because we think that we might be seen as nosy or judgmental.
In the day to day perfunctory greetings of “How are you today?” and the usual answer of “Fine, and you?”, we forget that our purpose is to get involved in the lives of others who might need us. We shouldn’t assume that people don’t need the support we might be able to lend. Never assume.