Together - A Backpack Story

Access Family,

Bonnie here. I was praying for you all this morning. We are carrying heavy loads, individually and collectively. Medical, financial, career, relational, situational. It is a lot to bear.

We add those worries to the existential angst we all feel as our democracy is threatened and as people - from next door neighbors to people across the world - are under oppression. It’s no wonder we are anxious and sad and life feels heavy.

Yet - we have hope. In Jesus. In one another. In catching small moments of goodness and joy.

I thought I would offer a quick story for your heart.

In Ecclesiastes 4:12, we are taught: “One person could be overpowered. But two people can stand up for themselves. And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken.”

At my sister Betsy’s recent memorial service, her navy blue backpack took a starring role. For over 40 years, Betsy was a beloved PE teacher and coach in Connecticut, and she used that backpack for everything. She had teaching in her DNA, and seemingly simple things often became life lessons.

Betsy, with parent volunteers, would take groups of kids on hikes in the woods surrounding the school. (They sometimes stopped at Betsy’s house for popsicles - it speaks to her character that she was permitted to do that).

They would put first aid supplies and snacks and water in the backpack, and Betsy would tell the kids that the backpack was important for them all to be safe, and that it was getting heavy.

It became an honor to carry the backpack, often first given to a kiddo who wasn’t the most athletic. As one child tired, they would pass the backpack to another child, and they would all travel together, sharing the load. “We can do this together.” Several of her former students, grown now, remember carrying the backpack more than they remember the hikes.

*So, my friends, our Access backpack is heavy. May you know when to pass it on, and when to pick it up. When to ask for someone to take it. When to notice a friend tiring. We can do this, together. We are good at helping one another. *

“No bragging. Do your best. Don’t quit. Be a helper. Let someone help you.”

“Use your hands one bright day to make a thing of beauty, or lift someone’s heavy load.” - Rev. Arnold Crompton

In Peace….and Love,

Bonnie

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