Pack Up Your Troubles…

Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile
While you’ve a lucifer to light your fag
Smile, boys, that’s the style!
What’s the use of worrying?
It never was worthwhile
So pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile

This First World War marching song is a song of resilience and optimism, encouraging us to face life’s challenges with a positive attitude and a smile. No matter how difficult life may seem we must maintain a positive outlook.

I walked along the beach this morning. The sun was shining, dog walkers and joggers were out, there were several groups of early morning swimmers. Troubles seemed well packed in kit-bags; there was lots of smile, smile, smiling.

And yet…

…Young soldiers marching cheerfully to war? Saying ‘what’s the use of worrying?’ to loved ones left at home seems at best dismissive and at worse callous.

…Those with troubles today? John, who this week has been moved from hospital to care home to another hospital… Karen who’s recovering from her second round of chemotherapy… Chris, who’s looking after his Mum following his Dad’s death…

…Chatting to Brazilian son-in-law Allan …Floods in the South of Brazil have devastated dozens of towns inland from Porto Alegre, large areas remain under water… half a million people made homeless, 149 dead, 108 still missing…

Musing on…

…The huge kit-bag needed to contain some troubles, that need to be named, recognised, acknowledged and accepted. Sometimes they may be packed away – but not forgotten – so that they can be carried as we move on…

…Jesus words to those carrying heavy kit-bags: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ …and Paul’s words for us to be aware of others carrying heavy kit-bags: ‘Carry each other’s burdens…’

…My experience of those burdened with heavy kit-bags. When they bring them to Jesus, when others share the load, they then start to smile, smile, smile.