Heavy Load
I keep seeing ads on social media about weighted vests.
Listen, Mister Internet Ad Man, I have enough weight on my body; I don't need to add anything extra; thanks so much for the offer, though.
Because my mind always seems to go to deep thinking places, the advertisement got me thinking about the heavy loads many of us carry around, often underneath the exterior we portray to the world.
Today, of all days, this notion weighed heavily on my mind (ugh, sorry).
My Mom passed away 13 years ago today, a heavy (okay, I'll stop now) reminder of life without her here with me.
When this date comes around, I remember my Mom - focusing on the good and celebrating that she is healed and restored, resting peacefully in God's arms.
Even with that faith, the heaviness of grief doesn't necessarily lighten.
I've tried several things to drop the painful weight: ignoring it, drinking it, eating it, or working around it.
But the heavy loads we endure through loss and grief cannot be easily shed.
Too bad there isn't a GLP-1 for grief; that stuff would fly off the shelves for sure (my ability to infuse humor into painful truths came from my Mom. Thanks, Mom, that is one of the most precious gifts you gave me).
For me, grief isn't something I can get over or rid myself of; it is something that becomes a part of me- an additional piece tacked on to the load I carry in this life.
Some describe grief as a burden; I get that. There are days that I can list off the losses in my life and feel as if it's just all too much to bear.
But, similar to the benefits of what Mr. Irternet Ad Man says a weighted vest will bring, the weight of grief can strengthen us and improve our balance and stability.
Those of us who carry the heavy load of grief and loss are aware of the beauty and fragility of this temporal life.
We are resilient and strong, able to carry on as the body, mind, and spirit build endurance.
We know that our strength to carry the load does not come from within us alone; it comes from our faith in God and our willingness to receive the help of those who come alongside us.
Every year, a dear friend remembers this date and always reaches out that he's thinking of my Mom and our family.
He, too, knows of the heavy load that grief brings and the importance of reaching out to people who are hurting.
Those who carry heavy loads often find themselves helping others who cannot carry the weight alone.
I am so grateful for his example of caring for others with such selfless concern.
What a privilege it is to help carry the load another cannot bear alone.
Jesus came to us to lighten the weight of our sins and offer His strength to lean on when our burdens are too heavy to carry alone.
Perhaps these are spiritual truths of balance - coming together with God and each other to ease the burdens of the heavy loads we carry.
I'm so grateful for my faith and those who help me stay upright when I feel like I might topple over.
Thank you, God, for never leaving us as we learn to live with the burdens of loss and pain you know all too well.
You see the weight we carry deep within.
Thank you for sending us help and support so we never have to lug all of it around all by ourselves.
Together, we can and will go on - stronger, balanced, and grateful for the moments we have to live this life we have been given.
Following forward, albeit a bit heavier than when we began.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Matthew 11: 28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.