Burdens

For your consideration….

Yikes, today’s message is a little tough to accurately write. First let me just write the message as given and then try to explain.

“It isn’t always your burden to bear. Sometimes you are only meant to help. Sometimes you are meant to back away.”

For us light-workers, it is natural to step in and help. Further yet, we often want to just take over the burden and lighten another’s load. That is a good thing right? The answer is not always. What? We might think that can’t be right. What about the Galations 6:2 verse…”Bear another’s burdens and thereby fullfil the Law of Christ”?

Once again, it is about balance. When we see someone under heavy burden, it is natural to want to help. We should shoulder their load…all or in part…if we can. But….(Isn’t there always a but?) sometimes we are not meant to take another’s burden. Sometimes it is theirs to carry and learn from.

Sometimes it seems like the same thing keeps happening to the same people. We feel bad for them but if we step back we can see that over and over again someone has stepped in to shoulder the burden…fix the problem. Most of us have done this many times with our children. We jump in and fix things for them. We get them out of trouble. We do this because we love them only to have them right back in another predicament. It may not be major things. Maybe we clean their room for them or do their chores because they are really busy. Then first thing we know they are not even attempting to do them themselves. Wait…they can’t always be too busy or busier than we are.

You get the picture. Sometimes it is harder to stand on the sidelines and let people work through their own “stuff.” But it is necessary. Yet other times we know we need to jump in and help shoulder the burden and/or lighten another’s load.

Our message today reminds us to make conscious decisions. Think about what is the best way to help. When in doubt, pause and ask for Guidance. Perhaps the one with the burden can do the same. We all have access to help 24/ 7.

That is the HOPE And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take….

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of others?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

What made me smile yesterday…

-A good reading with Sandra.

-Catching up with Alex.

-I finished a good book series.

-A beautiful sunshiny day.

-We had lunch with Bob and Diane at the Acme Oyster house. Sooo good.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris