We Need Each Other: The Plastic Bag Analogy

My day-to-day life is full of mundane tasks. The tasks are usually quite boring, but sometimes I receive special insight as I am carrying out these responsibilities.

Some time ago, I was cleaning out the fridge. This is one of my least-favorite chores, and something I do not consider inspiring. Yet, this particular time was different.

When I clean out the fridge, there is usually at least a little bit of rotten food to be disposed of. I put the bad food in plastic grocery bags, which I tie up before I put it in the garbage can. Many of the grocery bags have small holes at the bottom, so I double up the bags so that the rotten food inside does not leak. If I don't see any holes in the bag, I double it up anyway. Doubling the bags also provides extra protection in case something tears or pokes the bag. There may also be unseen holes in the inner bag, and even if there aren't any, the bag alone may not be strong enough to hold its load without breaking. Even if the outer bag has holes, it can help support the inner bag.

(This is a much more detailed description of my cleaning-out-the-fridge technique than I ever thought I'd give. But the description is necessary to make sense of the insight I gained from it.)

And now the inspiration: I suddenly realized that people are like these plastic grocery bags. Sound weird? I know. But hear me out.

We all have burdens we carry (much like the plastic grocery bags). Burdens that are undesirable. Depression, pain, heartache, sickness, loss, betrayal, frustration, fear, loneliness, and hopelessness are all burdens that feel downright awful. They're burdens that we all have or will have at some point. Many people have visible holes, or weaknesses. Others appear to be strong and have their lives all together, but are actually stretched thin and feeling very weak and vulnerable inside.

It is important to provide help and support to one another. Be there for others, whether it appears they need help or not. Help them carry their burdens so they don't break (body and/or spirit). If we are always supporting each other, we are stronger when something tears or pokes us, threatening to break us. Don't be afraid to ask for help when your burden seems so heavy, and don't be afraid to jump in and help another. Even a person with a lot of weaknesses can support and strengthen another. Two people, each with their own inevitable weaknesses, together can carry more than two people individually.