When Worlds Come Crashing Down

After years of church turmoil and job turmoil and many, many losses, God has graciously led me to a season of rest. By no means is it all easy, for I am purposefully pressing into hard things. Yet the ground I walk has a greater stability than I have known for a very long time. With footing that is sure, I am able to climb higher and see farther. I don’t take it for granted.

It’s almost hard to admit that life is so pleasant right now, for everywhere I turn, the lives’ of others are falling apart. A heartbroken young woman, several wayward sons. No mere bumps in the road. Worlds are crashing down and it’s hard to pick up the pieces in the midst of the rubble.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

– Romans 12:15

My heart aches and I shed many tears. Their burden is so great and I am drawn to lift just the littlest bit of weight off their shoulders and carry it on my own. To share the burden so that they might be able to take the next arduous step. To speak the hope of tomorrow and the sure promises of God, when the enemy seeks to overwhelm them with fear.

To lead them to the light around the next corner, when all they see is darkness.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

– Galatians 6:2

Could it be that a season of rest may simply be an opportunity to bear the burdens of others?

How could I not accept such a responsibility without gratitude?

I continue to count the endless gifts:

#1186 – 1200

• moonlight streaming through the windows all night

• fireball sun in the morning

• wind making the quaking aspens sing; and breeze coming through the windows to say hello

• a comment from my man (it kept me smiling all day)!

• hard thanksgiving; seeing God in a heart-wrenching situation
• opportunities to give counsel

• watching dear frolic in a field
• floors vacuumed; bathrooms cleaned
• corn on the cob

• gathering with women to study God’s word
• hearing more stories of heartache; more burdens to carry

Are you in a season of rest? Is the Lord asking you to carry the burdens of others?

In hope,
Shelli