I've Made a Big Mess

Read Galatians 6:1-6

When I was in my mid-forties, I found myself a single woman, divorced after 25 years of marriage, and trying desperately to find my way in my new single life.  There were many things I had to learn to do on my own that I had never done before.  Some days, feeling completely overwhelmed by how I was going to make it through, I would break down and cry.

One such day sticks in my memory.  I parked my old 2000 Nissan Maxima out in the driveway when arriving home from work.  I had been working on decluttering the wire shelving on the side wall of the garage, and I needed room to work.  I walked through the garage, pressed the button to close the garage door and walked into my house.  As I was closing the door, I heard this terrible sound!  I looked back to see a paint roller on the top of the wire shelving catch in the track of the garage door roller.  

It was like everything went into slow motion. As I stood there and watched, the entire 12-foot wire shelving unit, and all its content came crashing down on to the floor of my garage.  I stood there in disbelief!  What just happened??  What do I do now? 

As hard as it was, I knew my only choice was to call my Dad.  When he answered the phone, I could barely squeak out the words through my tears, “Dad??  I made a big mess.” 

When I told him what happened, all he said was, “Pull the garage door down, and I will be there in the morning.”  

I could tell you numerous more stories when my family, friends, co-workers and church lovingly supported me, advised me, let me cry on their shoulder and helped me navigate this overwhelmingly challenging chapter of my life.

It was not a burden I could have borne alone!

I also had to learn to carry my own load and take responsibility.  I had to decide with God’s guidance and the support of my loved ones, how I was going to now manage my finances, take care of myself, spiritually, emotionally and physically.  Others could advise and support, but only I could take the necessary actions.  I had to put my house up for sale, stay plugged in to my church, daily reading God’s Word and pray, go to counseling, and take care of my physically body through eating right and exercise.   

Sometimes we need help carrying the burdens of life.  Sometimes we need to carry our own backpack.  

Lord, thank You for the times in my life when You supplied people to help me when the burdens too big for me to bear were crashing in on me.  Lead me to be a burden bearer in someone else’s life who needs it. 

I also ask Lord, that when I need to carry my own load, that You help me to realize I am stronger than I think, and You will supply all I need in every situation.