A few months ago, I had to take some time off from working at my new job as the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care here at Arborlawn in order to focus on my health. I was also on some medication that caused me to dream wildly and vividly, something I do not normally experience on a regular basis.
Even though IRL (In Real Life) I wasn't supposed to be on campus, I dreamed that I snuck up to the church in the middle of the night in order to continue working. In this dream, Pastor Chris showed up to the church campus and found me diligently working away. But (and this is how I knew it was a dream), instead of getting onto me (which would have happened IRL), Pastor Chris let me know he was glad to see me. (And this next part is REALLY how I knew it was a dream.) He was glad to see me because he needed my help planning a gala. Now, why he was planning a gala, or when, or any of the particulars, were not revealed to me in my dream. I just knew that I had been tasked with helping plan a gala.
When my time came to return to Arborlawn's campus IRL, I was sharing my weird gala dream with some of my workplace proximity associates. Both quickly responded with, "We would help you plan the gala." Y'all...that's the level of care the Arborlawn staff has for each other, and for you: the greater Arborlawn community.
Galatians 6:2 reminds us to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (ESV)
Long before I entered the Arborlawn ministry scene, the staff and Arborlawn community has created a culture of bearing one another's burdens. Pastor Chris regularly asks everyone on staff (regardless of position) "What can I do to help you?" That is the question of a servant leader. Pastor Nick, before he closes our weekly staff meeting, always asks: "Who is feeling overwhelmed? How can we help this week?" And when someone responds with a need, the staff is quick to help.
How can you bear someone's burden today? Surprise someone in your circle by asking, "What can I do to help you?" Or "Are you feeling overwhelmed? What can I do?" In doing so, you will be fulfilling the law of Christ. You will be a disciple who bears fruit.
Also, if anyone out there has about $50,000, my workplace proximity associates and I are ready to plan an amazing gala.
Written By: Christie Robbins