It’s Up to Us

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”                          Abraham Lincoln

 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.                    Galatians 6:2

On the surface, these two sayings, at first, may seem somewhat at odds with one another. Paul in Galatians is saying we need to watch out for one another and carry one another’s burdens. That other wise elder, Abraham Lincoln, in his own homespun way, is saying each person can determine their own level of happiness- it does not depend on the actions of those around us. We decide if we are going to be happy.

Well, both are right. Lincoln is speaking a truth when he says that we essentially will determine our level of happiness- it is not up to the world to make us happy. I see too often that some people blame those around them because they are not happy, or fulfilled, or prosperous, or whatever.

Paul, in Galatians, was reminding his little group of believers that they were interdependent, and that they were to be supportive and loving to one another, and to share the burdens when they became overwhelming for a brother or sister. Paul essentially said, when the burdens get beyond a person’s ability, it is your job to help them carry it.

So, we need to be responsible for our own happiness, but we also need to look out for a brother or sister in need. Makes sense to me.

Prayer: Lord, give us the wisdom and empathy to see when others need us, Amen