Opportunities

I loaned my neighbor my tool box so some boy she knows can put together her bed.  She's been sleeping on the floor (on a mattress) until now and I offered to help her put her frame together.  She preferred to wait for him because she "just didn't know anything about it!"

Actually I could have put it all together for her, but I am of the school that says everything I do for you denies you the chance to learn something and some day it might be important for you to know a few things, even if it is only how to beg I guess.

Like today when I had to jimmy a window open, figure out how to prop it up while I cleaned it and then unscrew my drapery rods so I can put up the summer curtains.  Or when I saved a bundle by putting together some of my own furniture.  I do still have that one extra part for the fireplace, but it works just fine without it!

There was a time when I thought I couldn't use a computer without help, or a cell phone, or assemble my own vacuum, but this year I put together an elliptical machine!

It wasn't easy.  Lots of it wasn't easy.  Many times I have done something two or three times, mashed a few fingers and said a few choice words, but I did it and it feels good in the long run.

Still I understand the desire not to do anything you can get someone else to do for you and I suppose it is okay as long as it is a choice and not a necessity.