SuZan Klassen

My two-year-old grandson is very proud he can carry his own backpack. He struts around with a big grin on his face.

On a recent visit, he stayed overnight with us at our hotel. The next morning I was in a hurry. I gathered all his things and stuffed his pack full.

“We’ll leave as soon as Grandpa’s ready.” I closed my suitcase.

Quick as a wink he swung his loaded pack across his shoulders and flipped backward. He looked like a turtle upside down on its shell. His limbs flailed the air.

I stifled a chuckle.

He slipped his arms free and scrambled to his feet. Wide-eyed, he stared at his backpack as if he wondered what happened.

“I put all your clothes and toys in it, Sweetie. It’s too heavy for you now. Let Grandpa help.”

But the little guy was determined. In a few moments he tried again. This time he succeeded—although he hunched forward, bent nearly double under the strain. He smiled. “Do by self.”

It’s not good for a two-year-old to carry a heavy weight. It strains those developing bones and muscles. It’s not good for adults to carry heavy burdens without help either. It strains the soul.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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 is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).

Like my grandson, sometimes we adults are proud of the load we bear. Yes, we are adults and we should be able to bear our own weight. However, there comes a time when the burdens of life are too much for us to carry alone. We need to unload what isn’t helpful and let God carry the heavy stuff.

Here are my suggestions for a new packing strategy:
• Unload your suitcases—sort through the burdens you drag around
• What heavy worries could you unload on God’s broad shoulders?
• Make room for a lighter load—the one God planned for you

Lighten the load for the health of your own soul, so that you can…
Travel Light,
SuZan

©2016 SuZan Klassen