〜させていただく
sasete itadaku
Why you say "I receive" about something you yourself do
The picture Before the thing you intend to do, you knock once, take the permission that comes back into both hands, and only then step forward. させていただく moves with permission held in your hands; いたす simply lowers your own side and acts without asking.
Where the picture shows up in 〜させていただく
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starting with permission in hand
では、始めさせていただきます。
dewa, hajimesasete itadakimasu
Well then, I'll begin.
One knock on the door, then stepping up to the podium holding the permission against your chest.
This is the fixed opening line for meetings and presentations.
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even your own day off is received
本日は休ませていただきます。
honjitsu wa yasumasete itadakimasu
I'll be taking today off.
Walking out your front door only after the stamped leave form is held in both hands.
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I'll be the one to contact you
明日、改めてご連絡させていただきます。
asu, aratamete go-renraku sasete itadakimasu
I'll contact you again tomorrow.
Before picking up the receiver, catching the other person's nod and closing your hand around it.
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asking for the permission itself
写真を撮らせていただいてもよろしいですか。
shashin o torasete itadaite mo yoroshii desu ka
Would it be all right if I took a photo?
The camera stopped at chest height while you read the other person's face first.
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a refusal, still on raised hands
今回は辞退させていただきます。
konkai wa jitai sasete itadakimasu
I'll have to decline this time.
One foot pulling back while both hands stay lifted in the receiving position.
This shape is used most where the news is unwelcome: declining, withdrawing, stepping down.
All of it in one picture
させていただく is one gesture built from させる (have me do) plus いただく (receive with both hands). Opening a meeting, you climb onto the floor holding that permission; taking a day off, you walk out the door holding the stamped form. Turn the gesture into a question and よろしいですか appears; even a refusal — the thing that costs the listener nothing and you everything — is delivered with your hands still raised. Your feet move, but the permission always comes from their side.