He replied, “How can I [understand], unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him. // Acts 8:31
I decided to be a graphic designer about halfway into college. I remember switching my major and eagerly signing up for design classes the next semester. I had zero experience. I can totally do this. How hard can it be?
Around the same time, I connected with an older design student. I would watch as she whipped up projects like it was nothing. She knew every shortcut, effortlessly used all the software, and had the most brilliant ideas.
The more I watched her, all I thought about was how much I didn’t know. With pure generosity, she would ask me often: “Do you want me to show you how to do that?”
Absolutely not. How embarrassing to admit that I didn’t know everything yet! I’d always say no thanks, that I could “figure it out.”
Of course, “figuring it out” always meant secretly Googling, accidentally deleting files, and throwing myself into pits of stress.
If I would have let her show me, it would have been so simple. I could’ve asked specific questions and truly had fun learning from someone who enjoyed design as much as I did. Learning could have been a positive experience, instead of one filled with anxiety and self-criticism.
In today’s remarkable First Reading (see Acts 8:26-40), I’m honestly astounded at the court official’s radical openness. When asked if he understood what he was reading, he replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” (Acts 8:31)
Talk about true humility.
This man had a heart that was begging to be taught, eager to enjoy the company of someone wiser than him. Because of it, he was practically running to be baptized and walked away dancing with joy.
I want my heart to look like that.
From the tiniest task to the biggest doubts in your mind, it’s not embarrassing to be the one asking questions. It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, I would argue that it’s the fastest track to a joyful life.
Jesus, give me the grace to be a life-long learner. Teach me the joy of asking for help.
Aubrey Major is an artist and designer living life joyfully in the Midwest. She has a new favorite color every week, loves laughing any chance she can get, and scrolls through Spotify playlists way more than any social media. She is passionate about loving the world through her creativity and designing unique things that help others see the goodness in their lives. Join her in making art and collecting inspiration here.
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