Sharing the Load

In early 2007, Pastor Scott Bradford shared an experience involving his daughter-in-law and her 9-year-old son, Patrick. The mom was worn out because she was undergoing radiation treatments, but despite being drained, she and her son stopped at a grocery store to pick up a few items. While there, Patrick noticed a disabled lady in a motorized shopping cart; her small basket was full, and groceries overflowed onto her lap. Patrick asked his mom if he could help her.

The child got a regular cart to assist the woman. He moved the groceries from her lap, placed them in his cart, and asked if she needed anything else. He stayed with her at the checkout lane while she paid for the food.

He accompanied her to her parked car to place the groceries in her trunk. Upon arriving, however, he discovered her 30-year-old son sitting in the front seat playing a video game. Young Patrick tapped on the window and asked, “Are you gonna help unload these groceries?” The lazy son got out to assist Patrick and heard his mother say the child was much more helpful than he was.

When the groceries were in the trunk, the disabled woman offered to pay Patrick, but the 9-year-old refused, saying, “I don’t want the money because the Lord wants me to do all the good I can do.” Young Patrick understood the importance of helping others far better than the woman’s adult son. The Apostle Paul challenges all of us to do the same, saying, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

We share one another’s burdens in many ways. For example, I am offering support and understanding to the families of three friends who died recently. Another friend is dealing with a broken heart after a long-term relationship ended abruptly. Still others I know are dealing with: unemployment, a miscarriage, financial hardship, impending blindness, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

These are only a few of the situations I know of, but they illustrate that there is never a shortage of people carrying heavy loads. While I realize no one can help everyone, I know each of us can help someone get through a tough time. Every person reading these words can offer support to a hurting friend, co-worker, or neighbor by helping them carry their current load.

Let’s be more like young Patrick, who was eager to help, than the insensitive and unhelpful 30-year-old son playing a video game while his disabled mother shopped for the family’s food. May each of us intentionally show the compassion and understanding of the helpful nine-year-old who is the true hero of today’s story.