“You just never know the bag of rocks the other is carrying” ~ Leland Davis
December 15th’s “Heavy Backpacks” devotional in SoSA’s The Gift of the PRESENT (HERE) includes a touching story about a grandfather and grandson on a hike. That the grandson would carry those rocks – and then “allow” his grandfather to do so – was a wonderful reminder of the quote above.
Our buddy Lee Davis was incredibly wise. As his quote above suggests, in spite of what outward appearances show, many people in our midst are undergoing deep challenges. The rocks they carry may feel like boulders to them, far too much for any grandfather/grandson pair to shoulder.
Yet, we have the opportunity to lighten the load. We can share the load with God through prayer and meditation. Invariably others in our midst are willing to help carry the backpack as well. Plus, we can help ourselves by not bringing tomorrow’s issues along. As the devotional author says…
But too often, as the Lord warns, we carry tomorrow’s problems when today’s problems are heavy enough. And, yes, no one ever has an empty backpack.
Enjoy the day, filled with deep breaths, lightened backpacks and the Spirit’s stirring!
Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 24, 2023:
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POTENTIAL ACTIONS – FOOD INSECURITY: This season will likely find increasing numbers of folks looking for food, presenting opportunities to
- share financial and/or food offerings with a local food pantry
- check with your faith community about upcoming opportunities to feed community members
- volunteer to help with a local mobile food pantry or community dinner
- find a Little Pantry in your area and help stock it with shelf-stable food items
- accept a Call to Action item from Season of Peace devotional posting
NOTE: for those in the Cinci region, some food organizations are listed HERE
CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – click HERE for MORE humor, updated periodically. Included now is a grin-inducing New Bible Reading Plan (Pearls Before Swine)
STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!
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