Thursday 23 April 2020

THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2020

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Good morning friends, I wonder how you are feeling today?

I have been awake since early on, reflecting on all that happened yesterday.One of the things I did was to spend an hour sitting down at the cross in the beauty of the garden here.

It was during the time when my brother-in law’s funeral was taking place. Of course in normal times I would have been present with family and others who knew him and wanted to pay their respects, but of course that was not to be, and so like many other people in these days, I had to spend that time sitting in isolation.

My mind wandered to others I know who are having to face difficult situations and feeling the loss of not being able to go and be with them to out an around round their shoulders or to give a hug.

Most days I get to speak to folks by telephone, and certainly I have had calls from people looking to share some of the things that have been burdening them.

As I sat down by the cross yesterday a picture came to my mind, of a banner which hangs in the small hall at St John’s Church, Carluke. It shows a series of people in line, each one carrying the load of the person beside them. The words below says “ Bear one another’s burdens “

At this time it is so important that we hold one another in prayer, that we are ready to offer a listening ear, to those whose load is heavy.

I offer you this meditation today,

“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ “Galatians 6:2

I cannot bear all things. I have tried and I have failed.

But you, St Paul have shown me the error of my ways.

It is LOVE that can bear all things.

Even you Christ, did not bear things alone.

You needed the love of family, friends, and disciples.

And, when it got too much to bear in Gethsemane, Golgotha, carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, God’s love carried you, His Precious Son.

It is LOVE that can bear all things, for LOVE is relationship.

LOVE is giving and receiving.

So help me share in bearing all things Lord, joining heart and hands with others that your LOVE may be shown.

We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road; we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. I will hold the Christlight for you in the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. I will! weep when you are weeping; when you laugh I'll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow,