Carrying The Load
The thousand yard stare of duty
It’s the thousand yard stare, same look but many different stresses. I see it on women and men’s faces in homes, churches, and the various shelters and substance abuse recovery centers I frequent. I see it on the staff too, I’ve seen it in the mirror.
It’s that look that comes when you're not sure you have anything left in the tank. You're at your “wit’s end” as the old timers used to say. It’s been solidified in popular culture by war pics with soldiers' faces frozen in moments of emotional and mental paralysis from exhaustion and trauma.
It’s something that can also be heard. I hear it in the confession of those struggling with sin and its consequences. I hear from financially struggling young people worried about their future. I hear it in addicts struggling to grasp being sober another day, month or year!
I see it in the frustrations mothers express juggling so many duties among the limitations and complexities of life seasons, transitions, challenges, setbacks and failures.
I admire folks who are showing up to all they have to navigate with whatever they have at hand day after day. I see the “deeds” being done, the small gestures of attention and care and the long, loving perseverance of duty and demands. Individuals being faithful to the places and people God has called them to be with in life.
It’s a beauty that doesn’t fade but grows little by little like the morning dawn. Lives growing in light among shadows and storms. I am grateful to witness it all around me in homes, churches, schools, jobs and programs.
God being glorified under the weight of the load.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” -Proverbs 31:30-31