Thing is, I come across a lot of people's stories. When I do, I listen. I lean in when leaning is needed. Sometimes it is hard to lean in without trying to fix things. But I realize better than most, sometimes fixing "it" is not what people want. Often times they just want to feel heard. And most importantly, they do not want to feel judged.
It is hard to lean in without taking on the other person's story. It becomes a part of you. That is the hard part. You begin to feel, see, and live through their pain in the moment. That's the personal cost of the lean.
And no matter how many times you lean, you never become desensitized to other's suffering. Pain is painful no matter how many times you meet it. That is, if you leaned in with passion and engagement. If you were truly present. I have learned to be present for others, then as soon as I can, I find a quiet place and take their story to the throne. I leave it there. God made that possible. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22. What a relief. Because without it, we become ill. So instead we cast our cares unto the Lord. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. John 14:27.
We are expected to bear the burdens of our brother.
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1Timothy 5:8. So as you can see, man did not invent the lean. Leaning is a part of HIS master plan.
So my brothers and sisters as you go about your life look for your very next opportunity to lean in. Then find your quiet place and hand your cares unto our Lord. He is waiting for you at the throne.
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