Burdened (07/05/2026)

Kindness happens a lot at Kwik Trip. I saw it again yesterday. An older woman had purchased a case of bottled water. She paid for it, and then a young man offered to help her get it to her car. As I watched her lead him to her car, I thought of the burdens we all carry and wondered how the world could be different if more of us stepped up like that young man.

I could associate with the woman’s joy. I’ve been blessed by similar acts of kindness more than once at that same Kwik Trip. Like I said, it happens a lot there. People hold doors open for others, people carry heavy loads for others, people help others reach items too high for others. People give up their place in line to others. I know because I’ve been watching it happen.

But you know what surprises me more than the kindnesses shown? The joy on the faces of those souls who are kind. I would expect it on the faces of those who received kindnesses, but I’ve noticed in Kwik Trip, that the bestowers of kindness also express a joy. And it reminds me of the ironies of our Christian faith like the last shall be first and he who loses his life will save it. It makes sense that helping another with their burden could bring a lightness to our own spirits.

Christ understands the burdens we carry in life. He Himself walked this earth. He hungered, He felt pain, His love was not always returned. In today’s gospel reading, He offers us respite, He offers us rest from the burdens of life. He offers us His yoke – to enter into relationship with Him – and to allow Him to carry our burdens with us. It is a kindness we don’t merit, but it is an offer we should surely consider.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.