Lightening Your Load
A few years ago, my husband and I went on a trip to Greece. Before our departure, I spent time researching articles and tips for our journey. One recurring recommendation was to pack light and avoid overpacking – to only bring what we could comfortably carry. As a rule follower, I adhered to this advice, packing just two small suitcases and a backpack.
Upon finally arriving at our destination, we were filled with excitement. We hailed a cab, which transported us to our hotel. As the driver assisted us in unloading our luggage, I glanced up at the long flight of stairs leading to the reception area. With a deep breath, we gathered our bags, thanked the driver, and began the ascent.
Reaching the reception area, slightly out of breath, I felt a surge of gratitude for having packed lightly. The climb up those stairs would have undoubtedly been much more challenging with heavier luggage.
During a recent book club meeting, a thought-provoking question emerged: "Who in your family packs the most bags for a trip? Does this cause any family conflict?" While I have countless tales of overpacking and humorous mishaps, it prompted me to ponder on another question: "What unnecessary baggage am I carrying around in my heart?"
I was reminded of Psalm 139:23-24:
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Our hearts may be hidden from everyone else, but they are an open book to God. He knows every trouble, every shame, and every burden we carry, whether it's fear for the future, worry for our children, strained relationships, health struggles, business setbacks, financial hardships, or any other reason. We often find ourselves weighed down by these burdens, hoping that staying busy or avoiding them will make them disappear. But the truth is, we can't just wish them away. No matter how much we distract ourselves, the weight remains.
I've learned a valuable lesson in life: to lighten the load, you first have to acknowledge its existence, sit with it, and truly understand its roots. From there, it is crucial to take deliberate steps towards alleviating the weight. If forgiveness is needed, choose to forgive, address strained relationships and not sidestepping them, seek help when struggling. Sometimes, you just have to take that brave step forward and actively identify what's weighing you down, then take the necessary action towards lightening the load.
If you're unsure and need clarity of what burdens you're carrying, invite God to search your heart. Thankfully, He invites us to surrender it all to Him. He urges us to release and let go, thereby lightening our load. Let's respond to His call and find solace in His everlasting love.
Reflection:
- Reflecting on the concept of "unnecessary baggage," what aspects of your life or heart do you think you might be carrying unnecessary weight in?
- In what ways do you cope with the burdens and challenges you carry? Do you find yourself keeping busy to avoid confronting them?
- How do you interpret the verse from Psalm 139:23-24 in the context of inviting God to examine your own heart and burdens?
- In what ways can you respond to God's invitation to surrender your burdens and find solace in His love in your daily life?