Carrying the Weight of the World

I am sure you all have heard this expression, ‘carrying the weight of the world.’ It typically indicates that we are, perhaps even unknowingly, dealing with a number of global and social stresses which occupy our minds (at least that’s my non-psychologist layperson definition). There are certainly cases where people are cognizant of the weights that are caring. But there are also weights that we carry that are not constantly at the front of our minds. For instance, there has been increasing attention recently given to what has been called ‘The Mental Load,’ ‘Worry Work,’ or ‘Cognitive Labor.’ These terms indicate the invisible labor involved in managing a household and family, which typically falls on women's shoulders.

Some have been watching from afar weather and natural disasters like fires in California, Hurricanes in Florida, or floods that are destroying communities where family members and friends live. From a larger global perspective, for some of us who have family or ties to places like Armenia, Ukraine, or Palestine where there has been continued violent conflict there is that added layer of stress, grief, and anger. All of this bubbles under the surface; all of this sits in our bodies and is pushed to the back of our minds. I bring up all of this as a reminder that we are all going through something. The clerk at the grocery store; the customer service person on the phone; even the person sitting next to us in the pews. We are all dealing with something; we are all grieving. If this little reflection is nothing else, let it be a reminder to have grace with others, and with yourself. God's love is stronger than your anxiety, your pain, and your anger. Find times to tap into that sense of belonging and connection. I know it is hard to make time to pray and meditate, but this is such an important part of our flourishing. I believe it was Martin Luther who once said, "Every day I pray for an hour; but on days when I know I am too busy to pray for a whole hour, I pray for two."

If finding the time is the issue, then allow me to suggest the Saturday morning centering prayer services which we are doing with The Front Porch. There is one this Saturday at 10am. When I have attended in the past, for a moment, I was able to put aside all that has been going on in my life and just be. No agenda, no expectation, just existing in that moment. Of course there are other opportunities in our church for connection and prayers right now. Maybe try something new this week and see if it speaks to your soul. 

Be gracious and loving to yourself and to others this week. And please make time to pray and meditate and find renewed connection with God.