Letting others sustain us

We must be willing to accept the bitter truth that, in the end, we may have to become a burden to
those who love us. But it is necessary that we face this also. The full acceptance of our abjection
and uselessness is the virtue that can make us and others rich in the grace of God. It takes heroic
charity and humility tolet others sustain us when we are absolutely incapable of sustaining
ourselves.

We cannot suffer well unless we see Christ everywhere--both in suffering and in the charity of
those who come to the aid of our affliction.

- Thomas Merton, "No Man is an Island"