The load I carry is probably the same as anyone else's, yet whenever I stop to contemplate why things seem so difficult for me especially, I think of a pack mule.
Yes, I said a pack mule.
As I already acknowledged, we all carry a load. But how is the weight distributed for each of our individual journeys? Maybe some people have theirs all organized perfectly, so the weight of it is distributed evenly for the duration. Maybe some of us struggle to enter the world and childhood is tough, but then things iron and seem like smooth sailing. Or the opposite. Great life and then at the end, whenever that may be, the load is now at its full weight and seems unbearable.
And then there is me. I don't know if/when the weight distribution will ever get into its light phase, but I do know I've been carrying a heavy load for a majority of my life thus far. Maybe I'm the type that needs constant heavy pressure to keep going. Maybe I need to struggle along so I don't get too full of myself.
Maybe I just feel like a pack mule. I think that's probably the real issue. I have so many burdens that just don't ever go away no matter what I do. But right there, that's where the beautiful part comes in.
While I might not ever have a light load to carry, I seem to always have helpers who walk a stretch with me along my path who take what they can. I am now picturing people walking with baskets on their backs or clay water jugs balanced on their heads, stepping in line with me as our paths meet momentarily. Someone will reach out to show me their example. Another person will practically hold my hand through a "group project" and never begrudge the extra time they needed to give to help me learn from the experience. Some of these basket and jug carriers help with my children or share things with me that make life sweeter or offer hugs and smiles and listening ears.
I don't know about you, but I've never heard of a pack mule having an entourage just to help it along its way. Yet, somehow, there are too many people to count helping me to see this journey through to the end.
If you're reading this, you're one of the helpers I am speaking of, and I thank you with all of my heart. In the moments when I don't think I can take another step, I feel one of you helping to lift and bless my existence.
Yes, I said a pack mule.
As I already acknowledged, we all carry a load. But how is the weight distributed for each of our individual journeys? Maybe some people have theirs all organized perfectly, so the weight of it is distributed evenly for the duration. Maybe some of us struggle to enter the world and childhood is tough, but then things iron and seem like smooth sailing. Or the opposite. Great life and then at the end, whenever that may be, the load is now at its full weight and seems unbearable.
And then there is me. I don't know if/when the weight distribution will ever get into its light phase, but I do know I've been carrying a heavy load for a majority of my life thus far. Maybe I'm the type that needs constant heavy pressure to keep going. Maybe I need to struggle along so I don't get too full of myself.
Maybe I just feel like a pack mule. I think that's probably the real issue. I have so many burdens that just don't ever go away no matter what I do. But right there, that's where the beautiful part comes in.
While I might not ever have a light load to carry, I seem to always have helpers who walk a stretch with me along my path who take what they can. I am now picturing people walking with baskets on their backs or clay water jugs balanced on their heads, stepping in line with me as our paths meet momentarily. Someone will reach out to show me their example. Another person will practically hold my hand through a "group project" and never begrudge the extra time they needed to give to help me learn from the experience. Some of these basket and jug carriers help with my children or share things with me that make life sweeter or offer hugs and smiles and listening ears.
I don't know about you, but I've never heard of a pack mule having an entourage just to help it along its way. Yet, somehow, there are too many people to count helping me to see this journey through to the end.
If you're reading this, you're one of the helpers I am speaking of, and I thank you with all of my heart. In the moments when I don't think I can take another step, I feel one of you helping to lift and bless my existence.
I love the imagery of the pack mule with an entourage. There's a comic in there somewhere. But seriously, your post nicely captures the importance of having others along with us on journeys, so that no weight is born alone.
ReplyDeleteKevin
I made myself smile as I wrote that bit. I'm glad you saw the humor. And thank you for reading and taking time to comment. I appreciate you!
Delete"there are too many people to count helping me to see this journey through to the end" What a wonderful way to acknowledge the people who are part of your "entourage!" We all need others to help us on our journey!
ReplyDeleteWe do need others. I feel like I have been extraordinarily blessed. Thank you for stopping over.
DeleteI love this post. I think we all question how much is too much, or why things seem to go a certain way for each of us. This is such a nice twist - looking at those who help us make it through.
ReplyDelete