On Saturday night, Anthony finally had time to install our new dishwasher. (You know when you have been married for 18 yrs when this is what you do on your Saturday night!)
I wish I had my flip video with me as the scene was so funny. Anthony was pulling the dishwasher across the floor and there Hamish was, walking completely upright on his hind legs with his front paws pushing the dishwasher. He did this for quite a distance and Anthony said Hamish was pushing it as he could feel it. (Anthony said he didn’t need any help, as the dishwasher was light and was on a mat which slid easily across the wood floor.)
Hamish was helping carry Anthony’s burden.
When I saw that, it reminded me of last week. A good friend helped me with a couple of my burdens. I shared some things with her and she made me see what the problem really was. It was so obvious after she pointed it out but I didn't see it as I was too close to the problem. Then it was relatively easy to deal with it, once I saw it for what it really was.
Sometimes that is all it takes, a friend to listen to us, so we can sort out our own thinking on a matter. Other times a friend needs practical or emotional help, or it might be supportive help or a shoulder to cry on. There are so many different kinds of burdens we can help with. But what is important is that we are there for each other, encouraging and helping each other towards the finish line.
Your burden may seem heavy to you, but if you allow me to carry it, it won't be as heavy to me.
Do you need to allow someone else to help carry your load or burden for a while? Don't be self-sufficient or proud, let others help.
Or are you always just looking to your own burden, wanting help with it, but never thinking to look to others to see if they need help with theirs?
God wants us to do both - share our burdens with others so we are then able to carry someone else’s burden.