Bear each others burdens, and...

Bear each others burdens, and...

I have been thinking recently about an odd trend I've noticed throughout my relations with others the past few years, and a trend which could definitely use breaking. I'm the sort of person that, if I'm upset or depressed about something, it's usually pretty obvious. (Conversely, if I'm elated about something, it's usually pretty obvious.) And I have several friends from RUF (mostly girls, because girls are just better with this sort of thing) who will constantly ask me what is wrong and if I want to talk if I'm upset. And that has got to be one of the things about those people that I most appreciate.

That said, I'm inclined to look back on several conversations I've had with people when I'm particularly happy or elated about something, today included. And I have to ask myself, why is it that we are often willing to go out of our way to show concern for someone who is upset and share in their burdens, but indifferent when those same people are happy, and uninterested in sharing in their joy? As a side thought, for many of us it is quite possible that our happiness would last longer if shared and appreciated by others.

To reflect further on this, I recall days where I've been particularly upset, and a couple of my friends were there for me, to talk or to do what they could. Few things in life mean more to me, and I don't mean to understate the importance of that good deed in friendship, but I'm inclined to ask, why are those same people often particularly disinterested when I'm talking about how well things are going or about something good that has happened? I like sharing the good in my life as much as I often need to share what is going wrong, but it seems that if I try to talk to people about that sort of thing, I am often met with ambivelance, changes of subject, or the need to be elsewhere.

Obviously, it is going to be more important to the upset one to be comforted than it is to the elated one to have his rejoicing shared. But I think that some around me, and probably myself included, have forgotten that we are commanded to share in each other's rejoicing just as we share in each other's suffering. I think many a friendship would be deeper and many a happiness prolonged if we would better share our joys as brethren.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15, ESV)

Luke