I love this picture -- of Jesus carrying our load for us with a sure step while leading the way.
But this isn't exactly what I pictured yesterday when an unknown burden was lifted from my heart.
This picture of Jesus hugging this little girl is more the feeling I got.
As it seems to be happening every Sunday morning when my husband and I drive the long drive to Dupree, South Dakota these last few Sundays for church service, I find tears running down my cheeks when I realize what is weighing me down.
As I mentioned in my last post we have a lot going on this month and even though I have been seeking God about it all, it is sometimes tough to let it all go so I can just rest in God's peace. After I wrote my last post (mentioned helping my dog in it) God was able to get through to me.
But Sunday morning another burden was revealed to me I didn't even realize was there. As I talked it out and cried, my husband said, "Jesus is carrying you through all this."
And that is what I needed to hear. I need to just let Him carry me and hold me. As my husband reminded me, it is a whole lot tougher carrying someone who is fighting you then carrying someone who is relaxed in your arms. You can still carry that person but it isn't pleasant for either party.
I know this from experience. I carry my almost 16 year old several times a day from his bed to the couch; from the couch to the floor; from the floor to his wheelchair. If his body is all stiff from a seizure I wait until he relaxes to carry him. And if he is moving around I wait to carry him. It is also pretty tough to carry him if he is totally limp -- like he has checked out of life. This makes me think that it is easier for us to be carried if we realize we are being carried. The one carried has a job too even though the carrier is carrying all the weight. We need to relax our bodies into the One carrying us, settle in for the ride. If you ride horses you can understand this too. Or if you've ever carried little kids on your back you know it is a whole lot easier if they hold on with their arms around your neck (but not too tight) and their legs wrapped around your waist.
In Matthew 11 Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are weary and learn from Him. He says He is gentle and humble and heart and that we will find rest for our souls if we do this. Oh, thank you Jesus for your gentleness. Thank you Jesus for your humbleness. Thank you Jesus for your rest!