Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 NIV
Good Morning Disciples!
I don’t ever think I have ever experienced a winter that I wished so much was over. Trust me, I am thankful for each and every day my Creator chooses to give me on this planet and I feel guilty about complaining, but I am ready for a bit of warmer weather. My F3 brothers and I workout, for the most part, regardless of the conditions. Rain, sleet, snow, heat, cold, FRIGID – yes we have been there through all of that. And I am thankful that I am able to participate and I am thankful for my brothers.
This morning we ran and while out on the frosty streets of Hickory, NC the seven of us found that we paired off at some point during the run. [Note to my non F3 readers – at this point I will refer to my workout buddies by their F3 nicknames]. HBC, Herniator and Powder missed a turn on our normal course and eventually made it right. Hot Lips and Recliner missed the same turn and didn’t “make it right” – thereby going long. Humpy and Cropduster were back of the packers and we ran the route that was normal for us regardless of what the others did. So 7 men formed 3 groups and ran 5+ miles at 25degree temps this morning. We started together, we ended together and even while running apart we had the bond of knowing each other was out there.
And when our run was over Hot Lips read the Galatians verse above and noted how we carried each other’s burdens by sticking together in our packs. And it was noted that Powder finished strong [OK he is 20-something] – and all this got me to thinking. As modern day disciples of the one true King (that would be Jesus Christ) we must realize that we are not alone. We have others who help to carry us on our mats into the presence of Jesus – we have others who pray for us – we have others who offer words of encouragement to us just when we need them.
Life on this planet comes with a whole list of challenges: cold weather, misbehaving children, problems at work, sickness, stress, addiction, sin, anger – life comes with many challenges and obstacles that we disciples have to overcome. My F3 brothers and many others [you probably] fulfill the law of Christ by carrying a portion of my own burdens when they are too heavy for me to carry. We carry each other’s burdens, and by doing so we show another soul that they matter to us. And we do exactly what Jesus meant when he said to “Love your neighbors”. It feels good to do what Jesus asked us to do, doesn’t it? Let us do those thing more often!
And as Powder finished strong on the run today, with the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ – may we finish our run of discipleship strong. It’s easy to allow the burdens to overcome us – instead let us be overcomers – let us finish strong – and let us do it together!
With a song in my heart and a smile on my face,
Terry (aka Cropduster)
ps: what song do I have in my heart, you may ask? This one by Brandon Heath:
No Turning Back
I have decided
I called out his name
I’m following Jesus now and
He knows the way
I made up my mind
I leave it behind
[CHORUS:]
No turning back
No turning back
I’m moving on
Not looking back
I’m giving him
All that I have
No turning back
No turning back
Go download this inspiring song by Christian artist Brandon Heath – you will be somewhat familiar with the lyrics as some of them are borrowed from a familiar hymn.
Random Words by Terry 