Pedaling Together

Bible Reading: John 15:12-13

“All together now!” Eva called out. She and Grandpa sat in the back of a pedal boat

while her sister Claire and Grandma sat up front. They started out all pedaling together.

They were having a good time, but when Claire got tired, she lifted her feet. For a while, Grandma kept pedaling, but then she stopped too.

“I need to give my knees a rest,” said Grandpa a few minutes later. He stretched out his legs on the side of the boat, leaving Eva to pedal alone.

“This is way too hard now that all of you quit,” Eva muttered. She quit pedaling, and the boat soon drifted to a stop.

They enjoyed drifting for a little while. Then Grandpa sat up straight. “Pedaling is harder than it looks, but are you all ready to tackle it again? If we don’t work together, we’ll sit out here all day.”

“Yeah, and I’m getting hungry,” said Claire. She lifted her feet and began to pedal. The others did the same, and soon they were back at the boat dock.

“That was fun,” said Eva as they unpacked their picnic lunch. “Except when I had to pedal alone.”

Grandpa smiled. “That reminds me of a Bible verse. Galatians 6:2 says, ‘Bear one another’s burdens.’ How can we do that?”

“By everybody pedaling!” said Claire.

“You’re right,” said Grandpa. “That’s certainly the way to do it when we’re in a pedal boat. What are some other ways we can help bear people’s burdens? Like for Mr. and Mrs. Parker, for example?”

“They like us to visit since they’re shut-ins,” Claire said. “They liked the cookies we brought them too.”

Eva nodded. “And we can send cards and pray for them, and for other people who are sick or don’t get out much.”

“The Parkers’ daughter often cooks for them and helps clean their house,” said Grandma. “I know she appreciates all the help others give her elderly parents.”

“It would be hard for her to care for them all by herself,” said Claire.

“Like having to pedal the boat all by myself,” Eva said.

Grandpa nodded. “That’s why Jesus tells us to bear one another’s burdens—so we can show His love and care to one another and remember we’re never alone.” (Lucinda J. Rollings)

How About You?

Do you know someone who’s having a hard time? Maybe they’ve been sick, their parents have lost their jobs, or schoolwork is difficult. What can you do to help them bear that burden? Can you offer to help with homework? Invite them to your house for dinner? Tell them you’re praying for them? Do what you can to care for them and show them God’s love.

Today’s Key Verse: Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Today’s Key Thought:

Help and care for others