It is quite common to see a commercial where heavy furniture, appliances and even a car can be shifted from one place to another simply by placing little round disks under the corners and pushing on the object that needs to be moved.
Sadness is personal and its weight can only be determined by the one who bears it. Yet, none of us who see faith through aging eyes have been spared the experience of crushing grief.
I recently spoke to a friend in her early 80’s who lost her beloved father 40 years ago. The phone call conveying this grievous news was answered by her husband. This friend explained to me that with great tenderness her husband gently told her he had sad news; that her father was dead. Then, as a couple, they knelt in prayer and together rolled the rock of grief into the arms of Jesus.
This action did not quench the healthy emotions of grief but it shifted the weight. This couple claims this action has sustained them through life.
I am writing this because I have had a rock of sadness fall on me yesterday morning.
I am remembering Paul’s word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
I am thankful for the authenticity of God’s word, the example of my mentors and for God’s patience as he allows me to be reminded anew of what I already know.
What have you learned about shifting your burdens and helping others shift theirs? I eagerly watch for your comments?
Silverstrands 
This morning my devotional reading “happened” to be in Lamentations. I’ve been grieving having to put my mom in assisted living due to severe dementia and I could relate to Jeremiah’s description of his despair and anguish. Then, in the midst of describing his awful circumstances, he says, “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'” Lam 3:21-24 The older we get, the more suffering we see! Yet in the midst of all that remains God’s love and faithfulness and I am grateful!