This week marks the first week of summer – the season associated with rest. So, we’re taking a closer peek at how we can get there and what might be holding us back…
Do you have a load that you are carrying this week – a burden that is weighing you down?
There is one load that I carry every week, and it comes from the grocery store….
Each week I find myself standing behind the check out counter in my local grocery store. I’m smiling and, frequently, apologizing “So sorry, I should have taken the larger cart.”
At this point, the checker often sends the bagger to get a larger cart to accommodate my oversized load and undersized cart. I can’t seem to get it right.
As I insert my debit card and punch in my debit number, the clerk often asks, “Would you like assistance to your car?”. I am still shocked by the question, as I don’t consider myself of an age requiring assistance.
I try to redirect the question, “No thanks. But, I’d love help unloading the groceries at my house.” A chuckle follows, or, at the least, a knowing nod. Truly, living in the country is sweet, until it’s time to unload the groceries.
My van is piled high with innumerable bags and it is most often raining or at the least drizzling heavily, and I have a good 100 feet to walk to the back door.
I do what any logical, lazy, efficient prone woman does – I fill every nook and cranny of my arms with bags, then I string plastic handles over one or two fingers each, while I lean slightly back to balance the load.
Then, I do a sort of walk-run over the gravel road, onto the driveway, then over the narrow paved walk by the side of the house, and, finally, over the back patio to the French door that leads to the kitchen. “Ahhhhh, I made it.”
Load carrying is a normal part of life.
I read a verse recently that I couldn’t get out of my head about load carrying. It is referring to the Sabbath and the Lord’s command not to work on the Sabbath (bringing loads of goods into the city to buy and sell), but I think it has larger implications. See what you think….
“This is what the LORD says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem.‘
Jeremiah 17:21
I am struck by the connection between Sabbath rest and relinquishing our loads. It makes sense. It’s impossible to rest when I’m carrying loads of work, or even 20 pound packages of groceries under each arm. First, I must set my load down. Take a load off.
I’ll be honest, the loads I carry most often aren’t physical loads, they are usually emotional loads.
Burdens of a loved one that I’m trying to bear – or at least tweak into manageable territory. I also have a tendency to carry heavy work loads – because I have to – or because I just want to solve that little trouble – or bring in that little income – or do my little part.
Sometimes these loads look like: a load of unforgiveness – a load of guilt – a load of hurt – a load of anxiety.
Often my loads leave me worn thin – zapped of strength – feeling empty and unable to complete the task at hand. I’m more fragile than I think.
Perhaps I must ask myself ‘What load am I carrying today?’. And where am I going for help in carrying it?
My attention was captured recently by a verse about relying on the strength of chariots, horses, and horsemen.
Oddly, I could relate. ‘I do that!’ was my thought as I read the passage.
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the Lord.”
Isaiah 31:1,2
That’s me!
I’m the one who relies – not on my horses – but on my hubby. I’m the one who trusts – not in my chariots – but in my common sense or my computer search engine. I’m the one who trusts – not on my horsemen – but on my hunches.
I forget. Often.
I forget – to look to the Lord. To seek help from God. I forget – I don’t have to do it on my own. I forget – I really don’t have the strength.
As one who longs for rest, I must first relinquish the loads I’m carrying.
Woe to those who do not look to the Holy One – or seek help from the Lord.
Whoa – I realize I’m ready to lay my load down. I’m going to the Lord for strength. ‘Ahhhh‘ – what a sweet relief in that simple declaration.
**Lord, forgive me. I’ve forgotten to ask You for help. I’ve trusted in my own strength. Today I’m looking to You for help with the load I’ve been holding onto, You know the one. I need Your help. Thanks Lord that You daily bear our burdens.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-ladened, and I will give you rest.”
Matt 11:28
Linking up with Lyli’s FaithonFire, #thisdaygodsway
