just keep it to yourself…
i find it intriguing and humbling how i’m very interested and care a great deal about the real struggles in others lives and yet tend to want to keep my own struggles and issues “to myself.” no need to bother others with my junk, don’t want to compain, it’s not that big a deal, etc.
i’ve been encouraged by those in our faith community here in muncie as they’ve continually asked me, “how are you and jayne doing with the new little one?” i’ve made it known that we’re certainly in a tough life situation right now. sleepless, somewhat irritable, stretched to be sure, trying to see hope and deliverance in the midst of what is just a tough time for us.
i’m humbled i think mostly at my pride in not wanting to let people in, i mean really in, to the depth of the difficulty for us right now. and at the same time, i have friends who are going through really tough things and i’d be offended if they didn’t want to let me in just so as not to be a burden, or whatever other lame excuse we can come up with.
i’m reminded of galatians 6.2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
i need that. we need that.