Borne our griefs and carried out sorrows.

Everyone has struggles.  Lately my mind has been reflecting on those challenges where people have to suffer largely in silence-a loved one with an addiction, a wayward child, a hidden illness...often the weight of these is just as difficult to bear and is exacerbated by the fact that there is no one to help shoulder its sometimes crushing weight.  They are left to bear them alone somewhat, as meals or rides or babysitting would fall short in lightening the load.

There's nothing private about our latest trial involving Jack.  In fact, it bordered on theatrical.  Consequently, the meals poured in, the prayers were sent heavenward and the offers of help constant.  Truly, we are surrounded by compassionate friends and neighbors.  Friends and neighbors whose afflictions are no less painful than ours.  

Each night when we gather for family prayer we ask a special blessing upon everyone who has helped us, that their burdens might be lifted as they have lifted ours.  I can't clean their houses, or make a grocery run, or offer to do their laundry as others have done for me.  But I can petition the One who suffered all things that he might succor us all in our afflictions.  He understands, and He makes burdens light in a way no one else can.