A Burden Bearer

The Apostle Paul exhorted us in Galations 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse comes especially to mind during this current worldwide covid-19 pandemic. As I’ve been thinking about it, I was reminded of the many stories of soldiers in time of war. A battle ensues, there are casualties. One soldier sees a brother in arms down. Without knowing if the soldier is alive or dead, another brother in arms lifts the soldier onto his back and carries him to safety. In that moment, the wounded soldier is given what he needs — a back to carry him through. What is needed around us today?

Often, when we think of bearing each others burdens, we think of prayer. Yes, of course, most needed; but as my mother has often said, “You sometimes have to put feet to your prayers.” In other words, bear the burdens in a practical manner. There are wonderful stories surfacing in this present war on covid-19 of people bearing each other’s burdens. Sometimes food is scarce and it is given. Sometimes computers are needed for home schooling and they are furnished. Sometimes bills need paying and funds have been provided. Parents are exasperated keeping children busy indoors and toys have appeared on the doorstep. Phone calls are made to laugh with a friend or offer a listening ear to the lonely. To be a burden bearer is a creative, fun, and rewarding endeavor, because joy and peace of heart and mind fills both the giver and the receiver.

May we always pray in our hearts, and may we always see needs with our eyes, soothe with our words, share what we have, and in so doing — shine the Light in the darkness — the role of a burden bearer.