Lonely Burden

Scripture

“What makes loneliness an anguish is not that I have no one to share my burden, but this: I have only my own burden to bear.”  (Dag Hammarskjöld)

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

Lonely Burden

On a recent Zoom call with one of our decades-long circles of friendship, the conversation turned to some needs each of us had to share with the group. Many were serious, including the imminent death of the spouse of one of our friends. Almost apologetic for taking up our time, he shared his story with wisdom and authenticity. His invitation to us to share his burden was a real gift to us all.

I have an old yellowing copy of Dag Hammarskjöld’s Markings in my library which I browse from time to time. His idea “What makes loneliness an anguish is not that I have no one to share my burden, but this: I have only my own burden to bear”, has stayed with me for probably 50 years.

Yes, we offer support to one another but there is a mystery in being given the gift of sharing another’s burden. Lately I have wondered if Jesus was helping us in a double way when he invited the weary and burdened to come to Him. Not only does he offer to share our load, he invites us into harness with him to share his load for the redemption and restoration of the world. We are never lonely when we say yes to the invitation to come and help another.

A Prayer for Today

O God we have so many friends who are weary and burdened, and many days we feel the same way ourselves. Help us to see the mystery in sharing another’s burdens, the companionship it gives us. Help us say “yes” to you in receiving your help but also sharing your burden for creation’s redemption …. For Jesus’ sake