Dear one,
“Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2): in the past several days I have been reminded of these simple words.
Although it might not be readily apparent—and I’m not seeking to insult your intelligence—I am now communicating to you with a greater sense of ease and freedom. That this is so arises from the patience, skill, and knowledge of a dear pastor-friend: he knows vastly more than I do about blogging, emails, Facebook, and the world of the Internet. Most likely he would demur, suggesting that his knowledge and skill vis-à-vis the Internet and social media tools are only the surface of an iceberg; whereas I’m more likely to exclaim: “Iceberg? What iceberg?!”
It’s not that I find communicating with you a “burden,” I don’t; but how to navigate this Internet world—and no doubt you are much more adept within it than I am—has been like an ill-fitting, weighted backpack: I have consistently attempted to adjust or reposition the pack, but with little success. However, my friend has come alongside me, listened to and directed me on numerous occasions, whereupon he finally offered:
“Tell you what. Give me administrative permission, and I’ll come up with a template.”
“Administrative permission”? I thought. How do I do that?
“Go to ‘settings’,” he continued, “ and click on …”
As I have thought about his help, what has been un-easy for me has been easy for him: not a burden. I can hear him say, “Really: not a problem. I’ll get back to you.” And so he did, and so my mind turned to Paul’s admonition: “Bear one another’s burden”; and as it turned, I realized: a burden for one is not necessarily a burden for another. Over the years I’ve had others come to me with difficult requests—difficult for them but not difficult for me. Often their requests have drawn upon my strengths, and as a consequence I’ve happily helped. In this regard, then, their request is not unrelated to Fredrick Buechner’s affirming insight: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.”
At moments, I gladly help, because I’ve been able to recognize the gifts I’ve been given—and by our Lord’s grace, I am able to bear my sister or brother’s burden. I am glad, but I dare not become proud—I did not choose the gifts I bear.
Gladly bearing,
Stan