Christian Living

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Taking On The Burdens Of Others
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


“Some days that person just royally ticks me off to no end!” complained Carol Davidson to her best friend, Deborah Connors, as they rode their bicycles through the neighborhood early one mild July morning. Carol felt she could express her deepest feelings with Deborah as they were neighbors, classmates in school as well as well as attended the same church for years. She also believed Deborah could understand her even when she did not understand herself. On this morning both agreed to ride at least five miles in order to get a good work out. However, on this day Carol was doing most of the talking—Or complaining.

“Every time I see her, I remember every way she has hurt me in the past,” Carol said. “So those irritations come back every time I see her. I try my hardest not to think about her. But since she lives so close I’m forced, it seems, that I will run into her from time to time.”

Deborah let Carol vent her feelings, then cupped her hand and held it out in front of Carol. “Now, if you don’t mind, put those irritations here, and let me have them for you for the rest of this week. Okay?”

Intrigued, Carol did just that. Each time Carol saw the person of her discontent, she pretended to take the words right out of her mouth, heart and mind then deposit then in Deborah’s palm. Carol imagined Deborah clenching her fist around this imaginary lump of feelings and said, “Now Carol you are free from the stress, strains and burdens of these feelings because, as your friend, I am carrying them on your behalf so that you won’t have to. If you want them back, you have them.”

For an entire week, Carol picture Deborah carrying the weight and burden of her irritations. After careful consideration, Carol knew she did not have the courage to ask for them back. But what Carol learned from her experience with Deborah was a way to deal with irritations and the value of a Christian friend when the going through daily life’s difficult or challenging events. Carol also learned that she was carrying the burdens and irritations that her friend Deborah had and shared with her. When and if mentioned, the other would put out an open hand with an invitation. “To put it in my hand.” And the burden or irritation would be put away forever never to be apart of their life again.

Although these two women worked out a way to deal with their struggles, Jesus, the living and true God, is there any time of day to take on any and all burdens in His hands. Why not give it a try this day—this very moment!

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