Greetings to my travelling companions on the journey…
This week Bell hosted another “Let’s Talk” day. I have been inspired by stories that are shared and the courage of the story tellers. I am grateful for the increased awareness these “Let’s Talk” days have brought to the challenges that many face as they live with mental distress and illness, and work to maintain good mental health.
“Mental health is not a finish line but a journey.” That is one catch line that caught my attention this week. I believe it provides an important reminder that mental health is not something we achieve, and then never struggle with again. Mental health is an ongoing journey that requires all the planning, equipment and supplies, maps, companionship, refreshments, and rest stops… that any journey needs. While favourable weather always enhances a journey, somedays it rains and pours or snows and storms. Over the last 2 years the covid pandemic climate has made the mental health journey a significant challenge. The physical and social climates have contributed to many stormy days.
Since mental health is a lifelong journey the importance of companions for the journey cannot be overstated. We need each other! Already in the Genesis story God said: “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” God would say the same about all of us – It’s not good that we should be alone! We need each other!
The mental health journey can weigh us down, so… “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2). Christ’s law is the way of love, light, healing actions and grace.
So, let’s journey together so we can lighten each other’s load and fulfill the way of Jesus. Let’s support each other! Let’s keep talking! Let’s keep listening! Let’s keep sharing our burdens, and resources! Let’s keep extending to each other love and grace!
As I suggested in a message a few weeks ago, go through the church directory, or do a mental walk through your neighbourhood, and then reach out to someone. Check in, call, and say hi, see how they are doing. Let’s keep inviting conversations. Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep talking!
Pastor Ray