I recently read an analogy comparing our burdens to rocks in a wheelbarrow. As we push our wheelbarrow through life, we collect many rocks along the way. Some are rather large…our husband, our precious children, homeschooling, keeping our home, ministry outside our home. Others may seem small and at first glance inconsequential…laundry, taking dinner to a sick friend, a listening ear. We continue to collect the rocks as we walk along. Some we joyfully place in our cart. They do not seem like burdens and we are happy to bear them. Others we drop in begrudgingly. Maybe we can’t say “No”, or feel others are expecting us to carry it. Before long, our wheelbarrow has become increasingly heavy and hard to bear. We are trudging along, our feet slipping and our bodies worn out as we press on. What has happened to our load?
Scripture says, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. Serving me is easy, and my load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Why am I trudging through life pushing this heavy load? Where is the rest for my soul? A closer look at verse 30 reveals the answer. How many of the rocks in my wheelbarrow has the Lord asked me to pick up and how many have I, of my own accord, plunked into my pile? When I only carry the things the Lord has asked me to pick up, my burden will not seem heavy. I will be able to bear it with joy and ease. Am I feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just plain exhausted? Maybe it’s time to reevaluate my load. What do I need to let go of? What rocks were meant for someone else to bear? It’s OK to drop some rocks off along the way. It is in balance that we find the service to be easy.
Evaluating my wheelbarrow must be done daily, even hourly. As I commit my day to the Lord, He will guide my steps and order the use of my time, but only if I willingly allow Him to.
Today Lord I give you all my “rocks”. Give me wisdom as to which ones need to be let go and which ones I will carry with joy. Thank you that you give me rest for my soul as I serve you.
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