Where Others Have Gone Before Us

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34

One of our dogs needed the services of a 24-hour pet clinic recently, and while in the waiting area, my daughter and I noticed a slippery floor, evidence of someone and their pet there previously.

Once we arrived at a Target store to the ambulance departing, and wondered what had happened. There was evidence of whatever had caused the 911 call in the greeting card aisle, and, again, we felt concern for whomever had needed medical assistance that day.

When we think of others, their tragedies, their “messes” in waiting rooms and elsewhere, we can take time to think of how we are connected. The oft-repeated phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” can mean that we’re grateful that this time, misfortune has escaped us; and it can help us understand that next time, the crisis may be ours.

When we see this evidence of humanity with no visible human attached, it's sometimes harder to feel a connection. However, I think we can use this as an opportunity to feel our connections more clearly...the "not knowing" may spark imagination, requiring effort. If we think about it, not having a specific face attached make cause us to feel their vulnerability as our own. Taking the time to feel connected with those who have gone before us may help us empathize with those in our own midst, their pain and “messes” that are either left behind, or happening right now. Pray for one another, care for one another, know that we are all children of God.

In addition to the scripture above, words from Paul and others emphasize this connection:

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11  

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-7 

 

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works Hebrews 10:24

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to notice others in my midst. Help me to put aside my own concerns and reach out in prayer, empathy, or action to recognize our connectedness as human beings that you have created. Amen.

Donna Gustafson