Aidan was off! He began his 2 mile trek to school on his bike while Emma and I took our bikes out of the garage and pumped up the tires. Often times I accompany my daughter as she rides her bike to school. We enjoy a much more leisurely pace than my son. The trek to school is short but mostly uphill. The reward is knowing that you can coast almost all the way on the return ride home.
On this particular cold winter morning after inspecting our bikes for the ride Emma and I took off and headed to school. We were only a tenth of a mile into our journey when Emma stopped and asked if I could carry her backpack for her. When she handed it to me I was amazed at the weight and asked her why in the world did it weigh so much. She replied, “I brought all of my school books home last night because I didn’t have time after school to put them away.” Oh my, this was a very heavy backpack but I knew I was up to the task, this would be a great workout!
We talked as we went along and treaded up the long hill to school. I noticed Emma was breathing easily and smiling all the while I was wondering why on earth am I having such a hard time? It seemed as though my bike was harder to peddle than usual and I was breathing heavily and sweating through my 3 layers of clothing! This is not like me, I am in fairly good shape and usually this ride isn’t as exasperating. I just prayed I would make it to the school where I knew I could rest before I headed back home.
Thoughts of getting to school on time and wondering why I was struggling so much filled my mind. I completely forgot about the extra load on my back. The load had become comfortable. Emma even asked me “How are you doing?” I’m sure she could see that I was struggling but I was perplexed on why this ride was so difficult. I replied biting my tongue, “Just fine.”
Once we arrived at the school and I handed over the burden I was carrying I felt so much lighter! At that time I looked down and noticed that my back tire was flat which had created a drag on my bike making my journey that more difficult. I couldn’t help but think about Jesus when he talked about his burden being light in Matthew 11:28-30, “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Sometimes we get so used to our burdens that we don’t realize they are dragging us down. Our burdens become comfortable, they become a part of who we are. Jesus wants to bring rest to your soul and trade your heavy burden for his light one which is his finished work on the cross.
Jesus loves you and wants you to live in freedom. Remember to “Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).
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