Burden-Bearing Mud Travellers

Last weekend it was Gloucestershire cheese rolling; this weekend it was Essex mud racing. More British bonkersness.

Hundreds took part in in the Maldon Mud Race, a charity event that marked its 50th anniversary; thousands of local spectators watched. Contestants race 500 metres through thick, knee-deep mud, many entrants wearing fancy dress. Last year’s event distributed over £35,000 to charities.

For some folks, life’s no fun run. Running through, covered in, thick mud, they’re slipping, falling, struggling to get up…

The short film ‘The Heaviest Backpack’ promotes ‘BBC Children in Need’, supporting children’s mental health charities.

It shows Ben carrying a heavy bag. It’s clear that the backpack is a metaphor for the burden that Ben’s carrying. You get a hint of some of his load at home, in class, playing with friends. The film reminds us ‘some children carry more than others’.

I know children – and adults – who carry a heavy backpack…

Yesterday we heard of the death of English professional rugby league footballer Rob Burrow. In January, Prince William travelled to Leeds to give Rob his CBE….

Four and a half years ago he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. With help from friends and family he had worked tirelessly to raise awareness of MND.

The former Leeds Rhinos player was 41 years old; he leaves a wife, three children, and many friends.

Job prays, ‘Why did you bring me out of the womb? I wish I had died before any eye saw me.’ (10:18) Job was suffering, travelling through mud, carrying a heavy burden…

Sometimes I pray for an awareness of burden-bearing mud travellers. I want to help, share the load, suggest a solution… Jesus said: ‘Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest’. St Paul spoke about ‘bearing one another’s burdens’…

However,… Musing… What Kevin and Job needed most were not wise advisors or strong burden-carriers… they just wanted a compassionate friend to travel with them.