Bearing One Another's Burdens In Life

This time of year, I’m reminded how much I have to be grateful for. How much love exists with Holly and I, and our families. And other things we often take for granted. There are a lot of people around us really struggling, having an extremely hard time, and are living in dire circumstances and doing the best they can under such circumstances. I wish we could both do more, but all of us can do a little by being aware and doing our part to help bear up one another’s burdens in life.

A friend of ours at church recently lost her mother. Losing a parent, particularly close to Christmas is really hard. I feel grateful she’s reached out to us, and allowed us to be there for her and help her though this devastating time as she heals and moves forward.

Also, a few days ago, there has been a serious automobile accident involving some elderly folks in our church congregation. The injuries are pretty bad, and the three of them will have a long convalescence ahead of them for full recovery, if regained. Again, my heart goes out to their families that will be helping them through the weeks and months ahead.

I'm learning the importance of not taking my religious community for granted. My congregation of fellow Latter-day Saints is an extension of my personal family unit. Dozens of people, locally that I truly care deeply for, and only want the absolute best in life for them. We might share the same religious beliefs, but we are all very unique in nature. We all have our own different set of challenges. Each can contribute something to helping someone else in some fashion. All we want is to help one another through lives many trials and challenges. Being there for people, when they need a shoulder to cry on is truly what Christ’s gospel in action is all about. Being there when they need to vent, or just want to have a good old laugh. I’m grateful for the amazing people, of all ages, full of faith that I get to associate with on a regular basis. The friendships forming, regardless of age or experience or means, will last with me through the eternities.

I’m grateful for church service, which is often times an inconvenience to one’s personal time commitment. But truly allows you to regularly reach out to someone in dire need. The Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching programs that we support in our church are truly inspired, for the both the giver and the receiver in need.