Pinterest, need I say more? I literally spend hours upon hours pinning projects to create myself. From pallet tables to wedding centerpieces to wreaths... it is on there. "DIY" , do it yourself, projects have become one of this generation's favorite hobbies. Our living room is full of little creations. The feeling of looking at that final project just beats checking it out at the store. The answer to the question, " oh, where'd you get that?", is now " I made that." Something homemade with some sweat, tears, and effort, Who doesn't love that?
The problem with my DIY obsession is that it doesn't just stay contained in my many boards on a website. The mindset of, "oh, I can do this myself," penetrates into so much of my, or should I say our lives. School, work, friends, relationships, family, clubs, you name it, we got it, don't we girls? The women I call my peers and friends are so strong, independent, and capable. I love that. Few things make me more proud of my fellow women than the 'girl boss.' We have grown up in a culture that has given us more opportunity than past generations. Most of us work and go to school. We have been somewhat liberated to some sort of freedom to take on so much. I am grateful for the organizations I am involved with and for my schooling. I love my job and love my relationships. Plus all the other things we all do like laundry, cooking, some mothering, some being a wife, etc., but you and I are only human. We cannot always do it ourselves. Our life, hearts, and futures are not the latest Pinterest task. You're hurt doesn't have to be DIY. Your life decisions aren't DIY. You are not a pin to save for later.
Sometimes you need someone. You need someone to lay your head on their shoulder and cry it out. You need to sit down and drink coffee and vent to one of your girlfriends. Most importantly, you are never thrown out to do it on your own because you are never alone. One of my favorite details of scripture is the many names given to describe our God. One of the most true, comforting names is 'Emmanuel,' which means God with us. How great? How wonderful is it to know that our life is not up to just our DIY skills to patch it up? I know I have plenty of failed projects sitting in my closet. To the tired, stressed, and exhausted, you do not have to DIY. It is okay to ask for help. It is okay to not have it all together. It is ok to say 'no.' It is okay to be vulnerable for a few minutes. God is with you and so is a herd of people who do love you. DIWTWLY, Do it with those who love you.
