That winter, there were more days with snow than not. It
seemed every day there was another inch, maybe another foot, but a lot of snow
fell at Paradise Lake. We tried to track the accumulated depth, but our
measuring table was soon covered.
Jim had to snowshoe in front of our dog team to break trail
for them, sometimes both ways when the snow fell inches per hour. We had to
pull some of the longer trap lines early because we could not keep up with the
snow. Keeping the trails around the cabin open to collect firewood or water was
a chore.
Our house looked like a cracker box turned on its side. It
was long and straight, with no fancy roof lines or jutting extensions. We had solar
panels on our roof, and while the roof was not flat, it did not have a steep
pitch either. The roof had to be shoveled off - often. That was my job.
Early in the season, it was easy; the snow would slide off
the metal roof under its own weight. Removing a foot or more was a little more
challenging; I had to get on top with a shovel, but the snow would slide off. Our
house was built on a slight slope, so the front eave was 15 feet or more off
the ground. However, the back was only about 7 or 8 feet off the ground. The job
became more challenging by Thanksgiving when the accumulation of snow was up to
the back eave of the house. The windows were long buried, and the back of the
house was perpetually dark. The snow no longer had an easy path to follow, and
I was no longer breaking apart slabs of snow to slide. I was shoveling snow onto
an ever-growing pile. Soon I was shoveling snow over my head.
It was too much; the burden was too great. I could no longer
pull my own weight and needed help. Even though Jim was exhausted from his own
battles with the snow we pulled together, we moved some of the snow away from
the house. I still had a lot of snow to shovel, but there was no longer a
danger of losing the roof to the snow load.
Jim cut a tree near the house that winter. He cut it even with
the snow line at the time. Later, when all the snow had melted, and summer was
again upon us, the stump was over 15 feet tall. We had a lot of snow that year.
That season seemed like a never-ending cycle of waking up,
digging or snow-showing trails, doing chores, and collapsing into bed. There
was no time or energy left for leisure or relaxation; rest was a dream.
Sometimes we seem caught in a rut of work, chores, sleep, repeat.
How do we manage without getting burned out or snapping at those we love? Jesus
told us in Matthew 11:28 to come to Him all who are weary and burdened; He will
give you rest. Paul described several times when he did not want to be a burden
to those to whom he was writing. Yet he told the Galatians to “bear one another’s
burdens, thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2).
What does bearing burdens look like in a practical world? It
begins with prayer. Pray for one another. Yes, prayer is immensely practical!
When we pray, we are bringing our burdens, or those of others, to the foot of
the throne of God. We are laying them at the feet of the One who gives us
strength, peace, and comfort. God will also tell us how to physically help.
Next, find out what is needed. You might have to ask a third
party. Ask the burdened one if you can help meet their need by (name something).
Do not ask how you can help; often, you will be met with, “Nothing – I am OK.”
Third, “It is more blessed to give than receive” also speaks
to helping others. Helping or service is one of the gifts of the Spirit. It does
not speak only to helping at the church building but helps those who make up
the church. We are one family, and families do for one another.
Finally, if you have burdens, let people know! It is wise to
admit it and accept help if you are burdened. Rugged individualism does not
have a place in giving or receiving Christian service.
Heavenly Father,
You are our Help
in time of need.
Remind us, Lord,
that coming to You should not be the last resort
But the first cry
of a life in need.
When the snow is
overwhelming
And never seems to
end
When life has
stopped sliding easily and
We begin to dig,
Remind us, Lord,
that we are a family.
And it is right and
good to help the family.
Remind us, Lord,
that we are a family
And it is OK to
ask family for help
When we are
drowning in the busyness of life
And simply need
help, remind us, Lord.
In Christ alone,
and in Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen
