This past week, I had a troubling situation that I did not know how to resolve on my own. I also felt the need to talk it out and to express my frustration. In the past, I would be someone who would carry things very close to the vest and not express what was happening and try to work silently through it. However, I’ve come to realize that is not healthy and it’s important to share what’s on our hearts.
As I walked and expressed my frustration, my friend listened without offering any advice. And somehow I appreciated that. I realize I did not necessarily need advice, but more so to express and process my thoughts.
Mid conversation, the phone disconnected and the radio turned on. The host was telling a story about her offering to help someone else carry a large water cooler. The person needing to carry the cooler she said it was not heavy and she would just continue to drag it. She declined the help. The other person that she was with insisted on helping her and picked up the other end of the cooler. The person who had originally declined marveled at how much easier it was when two people were carrying the cooler and acknowledged that it was good that the friend had stepped in to help.
I had to chuckle at the timing of that message. It also came with a powerful reminder that ‘it’s good when we carry each other‘s burdens’.
Sometimes, we might not know how to show up for others. Sometimes it will be a listening ear. Sometimes it will be something physical by physically helping to carry the other persons burdens.
Galatians 6:2 states ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ’
Friends, we do not need to walk this life alone. God has gifted us people so that we can help to carry each other’s burdens. We can reach out to someone: it may be to vent or it may be to get advice or it may be to get tangible help.
And if you don’t believe you have anyone to share your burden, would you pray and ask God for friendship where you can support each other. After all relationships and friendships are so much sweeter when they are mutually beneficial.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for community where we can rely on each other. And for those who are lacking community, please provide a safe space for them to be able to reach out in their time of need. And allow them also to be a safe space to someone else who needs.