It's Not Yours to Carry
Children, especially toddlers, can be so determined to do everything for themselves. My little Makai is no exception. One of his favorite phrases is “let me do it”. To keep from creating an argument with such a small, strong willed person, I normally oblige.
In the photo, Makai insisted on carrying this huge, heavy backpack. I think it makes him feel like a big boy. I tried for a moment to convince him to let me carry it, but that will of his was not going to let me win, so I went along with it. Placing the backpack on his shoulders I watched him stumble, and almost fall. I wanted to step in and take it from him, but I was in no mood for an argument. As he struggled to walk the thought came to mind “I never intended for you to carry this”.
Isn’t that just like our God? In this simplest moments, during the most mundane tasks, He comes in and reminds us of His greatness in all situations. It was obvious the bag was not created for Kai to wear. On his last attempt to walk, before falling to the ground, I being the concerned mother that I am (or maybe I just really wanted to get this little person movin along a bit faster) swooped in, and picked him and the bag up, and carried him the rest of the way.
God is pleading with us to let Him carry our extra-large bags. In 1 Peter 5:7 (nlt) it says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”. I care for my son, and I don’t like to see him struggle. The same goes for our Heavenly Father. He longs to carry our heavy loads. Unlike a pushy mother however, God will not force himself on us. He allows plenty of opportunities for us to hand over our burdens, and provides grace for the times we insist on carrying them ourselves.
“The things you fear the most, I’ve gone before them, and I’m making a way. It’s not for you to keep her safe. The breath in her lungs, I gave to her…”. This is a small piece, of a very large and powerful word given to me in prayer one morning. I knew right away it was referring to my daughter. Again, in the subtlest ways, our God is calling us to hand Him everything that concerns us, especially our children.
What heavy bags are you carrying, that were never intended for you? Matthew 11:29 (nasb) reads “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS, for my yoke is easy, and my burden light”. Today, I encourage you to exchange your heavy load, for His light one. Allow God to do the heavy lifting in your days to come, and fine sweet rest for your weary soul.
