If this stilted mind is right, Simon and Garfunkel's song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, has a line in it that says, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." The song is about encouragement, sharing another's burdens, being there for a person in need. At least that is my take on it.
It was several years ago, in another state, another town, a casual friend of ours lost his Dad. The death was rather sudden and took a heavy toll on our young friend. There was an immediate point of identification for me, since both my Dad and step-dad had died within two years of each other. So my heart could feel his heaviness.
Even though we were not close friends, one afternoon, I picked up the phone and called the young man and let him know that there was someone out there who could share his sorrow. Someone who could help him carry that heaviness of heart.
I knew that there would be times when he hungered to hear the words of his father; To see his face; feel his touch; to simply know that he was there. Then come to the realization that he was not there and he would experience none of those things again.
It is a devastating feeling.
Our conversation brought us both to tears, as it is now. Nevertheless, a few weeks later his wife shared with me how much that phone call meant. What an encouragement it had been to the man.
I say this not because I am a kind and considerate man, often I am not. I share this because sometimes "heaviness in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Prov. 12:25
At one time or another, we all feel the heaviness of life. Many times, those around us are experiencing burdens almost unimaginable to us. We may not know what to do or what to say. A word of encouragement may be all that is needed to help ease the burden. Letting them know that you are there encouraging them as they walk over the "bridge of troubled waters."
Father, let me be an encourager. Help me not to feel embarrassed to reach out. For some the bridge is long.
No comments:
Post a Comment