Christian Devotion, Misplaced Burdens
Mary's husband, Paul was only 16 when his parents ended their 25-year marriage.
Paul experienced an uncomfortable journey until he reached manhood - finally able to embrace the world on his own. These were very hard times, and he learned much from his parent's mistakes.
When he met and fell in love with Mary, he shared his experiences with her, his new focus placed on their future. Soon, two children were born into their marriage.
For the next 50 years, Mary often talked to her children about Paul's unfortunate past involving his parent's divorce. Over time, it was as if Mary had become the victim of circumstances rather than Paul. Whenever she discussed the issue, her voice appeared to be filled with deep, emotional sorrow and pain.
Paul was oblivious to Mary's attention to his past as he continued to enjoy his daily life immensely - never discussing his parent's divorce with his children.
In time, Mary's daughter's marriage of 25 years came to an end due to physical abuse. Although her daughter feared for her children's, as well as her own safety, Mary chastised her for leaving her husband. She spoke of Paul's past, of how he'd suffered all his life due to his parent's divorce. Even at the cost of her daughter's life, as well as her grandchildren, Mary was insistent on the marriage surviving.
Have you ever met or known anyone like Mary? A person who embraces tragic situations and adopts them as their own burdens? Although Mary embraced the tormenting aspects of unfortunate demises, other people moved forward - continuing on with their lives in hopes that tomorrow would deliver more positive fruits. Mary continued on her path of misplaced burdens, never moving forward - always looking behind. It's a very sad place to be in life. In turn, Mary's attitude soured because she was continually focused on the unpleasantries of life. In turn, she also misplaced burdens on her immediate family members.
Divorce can impact the best of people, just as other dark situations that Life has to offer. These situations are often personal tests and belong to those being tested. And those burdens do best when placed into God's capable hands, rather than placed into a space of continual torment and non-reckoning.
As Christians, we should always be there to lend support and comfort to our friends, loved ones and even strangers in need. But to take on their burdens and become a source of continuous lamenting serves to accomplish nothing in life. When we don't move forward, it's impossible at times to experience the wonderful things that God has in store for us!
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