Who Carries Your Backpack?

right . I find myself almost every day of the week being surrounded by all kinds of people , whether it be at work or at church .

There's people all around me all of the time , and although I have many people who I would call a friend , there are very few people that I would call a true , deep friend , someone who I would trust with my innermost secrets , my frustrations .

Someone who I would trust with my innermost secrets , my frustrations , my fears , even my desires , and that I would tell the things I feel , god speaking to me deeply and intimately . I don't have a lot of those kinds of friendships . I guard that place in my heart . Whether I need to or not , that's another question I have to sort through .

And yet the Bible does remind us that we are to have people in our lives that will help bear our burdens when we are going through difficult things . I came across this story by Sandy Snavely . She talked about her commute to work in Portland , oregon , and some of the things that she began to notice about the people around

her that changed her . Listen to what she says . My morning commute consisted of crossing the Ross Island Bridge , one of the few bridges in Portland where the walkers are as welcome as drivers . There was a young man with bright red hair who I would pass almost every morning . His intelligent and handsome face also seemed determined and driven .

I started praying for him , for his day and for his life . When he didn't meet me on the bridge , I found myself deeply concerned for him . Now he's never there . I wonder where he is now , how he is . Was he a student ? Did he finish school ? Did he become ill while foraging through the wicked winter weather ?

Or did he simply buy a car and join the morning commute on wheels ? Then there's an older man who was occasionally seen with a large metal cross hoisted over one shoulder , with a sign on his back that reads Jesus saves sinners from hell . My stomach always churns when I see him . He's not as easy to pray for as my young red-headed friend .

Maybe it's because I'm not as bold in my faith as he is . Maybe it's because , though , his cross gives the appearance of being large and heavy to carry . It's actually supported by a small cart and wheels . There's just something about that picture that makes me uncomfortable .

But the portrait that has found the deepest place in my memory is that of a homeless man and his dog . The man was unshaven and disheveled . He wore an old camouflaged army jacket , trousers and military boots . He had long hair not yet turned in color by age . His backpack was heavily packed , pulling his shoulders forward .

Although this scene was not unusual for the area , I guess it was the dog that brought love to the picture . He was a big , old and obviously loyal black Labrador . He carried a backpack as well . It had two canvas pouches that were well balanced on each side of his chest . The man and his dog poignantly displayed the heart of true friendship .

How many times in my own life have I longed to have my bundles of burdens so affectionately carried ? My young red-headed friend drew me to pray for him , for he was needy in spirit . The old man with the cross harshly illustrated the need for gentleness and authenticity when sharing my faith .

But it was the homeless man and his dog who reminded me of the deep longing of every soul , the cry of every heart , to have one at your side , whose love is so unconditional and uncompromising , who refuses to cast blame or to judge the hows and whys of the burden , but instead comes alongside and shoulders the load .

There's a profound privilege in being both the burdened and the burden bearer , to be needy and to be needed . As I continue my journeys through life , I know there will be many bridges yet to cross , whether forging ahead or just struggling with a friend to get to the other side . I will treasure in my heart the lessons from the three men and the bridge .

We all need someone , someone close to us that we can trust , that will help us to carry our burdens . In Galatians , chapter 6 and verse 2 , paul tells us to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ . When we bear one another's burdens , we grow closer to each other . We become stronger Proverbs 17 , 17 .

A friend loves at all times , and a brother is born for a time of adversity , and sometimes that brother is not a brother by natural blood . It's by the blood of Christ that's brought them into our lives . God does not desire , nor did he ever design , us , to face all of our problems by ourselves .

He wants us to know that there are people that he has created that desire to be your friend , because they need you to be their friend has created the desire to be your friend because they need you to be their friend .

We all need those brothers and sisters in Christ who are close friends to us that we can speak without fear our desires , our goals , our plans and the things that God is speaking into us . That's God's plan for us and that will help us to live with peace and a growing trust in what God is doing in our

lives . I hope you have a great day , my friends . Give your close friend a call , just tell them how much you appreciate them . Have a great day , everybody . We'll talk again tomorrow . Thank you for joining us today and I invite you to join us every Monday to Friday , right here at Starting Right with Danny Mac .