More Gregory of Nyssa + Julian of Norwich

Somehow in my notes after Katrina, I managed to combine some of Gregory with some of Julian--I had heard stories from my colleagues of incredible suffering during and after the storm, and I was feeling pretty well off, since so many people had helped us so much.    The notes that follow do not make a distinction between Gregory and Julian, although the last paragraph is Julian's primary message.  The first three, I am sure, come from Gregory:


We are all on a journey; we cannot look at where others are along the road (i.e., to regret that we are not where they are).  We cannot compare the journeys; they are not comparable.  We are where we are; we cannot be elsewhere.  It is true that others have trials and sorrows worse than our own.  Still, we are obliged to bear the burdens of our own life.  We have not been asked to carry someone else's burdens.

Imagine if on the highway, traveling to a destination, you were to inquire about the destinations and burdens of those traveling with you along the same way.  Imagine if you worried that you were not further along the way, as other cars who traveled the same road some time ago.

When our paths cross, when we meet up with those who are also traveling, we are obliged to help them if we can , if we hear their stories.  And perhaps in hearing their stories, it will cause us to reassess our own situations and to count our blessings.  But we are not "other people;" we are ourselves with our own histories and sensibilities and graces given to us from above.  The burdens given to each of us are accompanied by the incredible grace and presence of God Himself, who accompanies us on the way.

Everything you need will be provided; only take up your burden daily and follow.  You shall see for yourself how all things and all manner of things shall be well.