“Everybody’s got stuff” is a phrase my girlfriends and I coined in the late 90’s. It originated during a conversation discussing our current issues, the problems of other friends, and the difficulties our coworkers were experiencing. It summarizes the realization that everyone has their own burden. I have carried this phrase through the years, and it is now used by my old and new friends alike. It is used for those times when we all feel overwhelmed, defeated, or just simply drained. It is during these times, I am reminded of the saying, “too much on our plate, more than we can carry”.
Recently, our family experienced a sudden and unexpected loss. The grief has been heavy and it alone has been difficult enough to plow through. However, layered on the grief are the issues of finding new caregivers and how to support hurting family members as they attempt to put their shattered lives back together. Amid all these emotions and decisions, covid entered the household. Hospitalization ensued, adding to the pain, and the list goes on and on and on………
It was just last week that Jimmy tiredly said to me, “What else is going to happen? How much more can there be?”
Last week I was driving and would be spending a couple of hours in the car. I often travel this particular path and driving the two lane is my favorite part of the trip. I enjoy the quiet, the slower pace, and the scenic driving. It is this part of the journey that I often spend in prayer. I had been praying for our family. I was searching for guidance and wisdom as we make tough decisions; requesting comfort as we grieve; strength for the hard adjustments to come; and seeking the peace which only comes from the Lord and His presence.
It was during this time an image appeared in my mind. When I described my experience to a friend, her response was “Girl, those are visions”, but I don’t consider myself “vision worthy” so let’s just go with an image. It was brief, but very clear…….
My body was fuzzy, but I could see my arms in front of me, my elbows were bent and close to my sides, my hands were extended in front and my palms were facing up. Lying across my arms was a large tray. Upon the tray were many items, each item was the same, but there were many. The items appeared to be about the size of a dinner plate but oblong. They were piled on the tray but not in any order. The items were randomly placed, overlapping each other and crisscrossing, the load of the tray was heavy. Suddenly across from me, there was another body and two more arms. The body was fuzzy, but the arms were clothed in a robe with the sleeves flowing downward. The arms were in the same position as mine, elbows bent, hands extended, palms facing up. The arms came toward me and joined mine beneath the tray. The tray was not removed from my arms, but I was now relieved of the full weight, I now had assistance in carrying my load or my “stuff”. I found it significant the tray was not removed from my arms; however, it was clear the load was lighter and was being shared.
I am reminded of John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take heart; I have overcome the world. We are not promised a life without grief, disappointment and struggles, but we are promised and reassured the Lord is with us in times of trouble. What a confirmation that we have a mighty God and we do not carry our burdens alone.
Have our problems been instantly erased…..no. Has our grief vanished…..of course not. Have the difficult decisions been solved…..not entirely. However, I do feel the reassurance of knowing we are not alone. The Lord is with us…..guiding and sharing our load. His comforting presence is so very close. The Lord goes before us and the Lord is with us…..what more could we need?
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
