“Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2

As an only child for about 8 years, I became fairly used to not having anyone to really share things with.  Of course,  I talked with my parents, and I had friends; but I spent a lot of time reading and in my own thoughts.  As a result, I became quite the processor; easily analyzing and mulling over my thoughts and feelings.

It’s great to give careful consideration to your thoughts and feelings- taking the time to be in control of yourself and not being pushed by your impulses is a sign of maturity, that one must master.  But the other part of being a processor and an analyzer is that you can worry yourself with your thoughts, concerns, fears, hopes, dreams.

I’ve been reminded by two women that I talk with semi-regularly about my need to increase that communication; that I need to consistently share my burdens, and develop the relationship we have so that we don’t just talk when I’m having (what I view as) a crisis but that we are in a state of constant interaction and fellowship.  This is difficult for me, because I like to take the time to really understand what I’m feeling and why I feel that way before consulting someone else; but also because I don’t like to burden people or “cry wolf” with my “crisis”.

While all those thoughts are great for might be great for me, my failure to share my burdens with others makes it difficult for them to follow what the above scripture says.  In Christ, we are called to fellowship and commune with each other, to love one another as we love ourselves, and to carry each other’s burdens.  But those burdens can’t be carried if they are unknown.  And while people can surely pray on my behalf, trusting that the Holy Spirit will direct them to what I’m in need of as they pray, it could be a lot easier if I just shared my burdens with them, so that they could carry them to Christ.

What I realized, as I thought more about this, is that I’ve been treating people like “spiritual vending machines”, coming to them when I need a quick boost; as opposed to treating them like “spiritual grocery stores” that I shop and visit regularly.  The danger in doing that is that, if I’m not careful, it can seem as if I’m only talking to them when I need help.  It’s difficult to build meaningful relationships without consistent communion and sharing- and being willing to step outside my comfort zone and share the GOOD along with the not-so-good.  Nobody likes the “friend” that only comes around when they’re broke- and I’m committed to not just engaging with people when I feel spiritually broke, but also when I feel all the wealth and favor that God has promised me.

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!