Morning Dew #46

God, my Burden-Bearer

My grandaunt was one of the most loving persons I knew. Her caring extended way beyond family and at her death, I witnessed one of the greatest responses to love. 

Carlton, from youth had bouts with mental illness that most times made him hostile. Few people wanted him around but when he needed food or someone to sit with, he sought my “Ga-Ga”. 

At her funeral, he stood outside the church bare-footed, in rags, and carrying an empty paint can. At the end of the service, he ran ahead to the place of her interment. Arriving at the grave site, we found that it had not been completed. Carlton understood! He jumped down into the grave and with his paint can, began to dig. He scraped away until the grave diggers took over. 

Despite Carlton’s brokenness and mental fog, love penetrated to that core place where deep touches deep, and he responded in loving service to his friend.

In our broken, self-centeredness Christ seeks to touch our core, to quiet our deepest yearnings with love. He offers relief from our struggles, and hope for our despair. The greatest Lover offers us friendship and peace! 

Dear Lord, help me to accept the love You offer. Please lift my deepest life-burden and give me peace. Amen