Dear Friends,
In just a few day the Lenten season begins and, as a spiritual discipline, many choose something to “give up” as a way of expressing their devotion to Jesus who gave up so much for each of us. Reminds me of an old story . . .
A person was walking down the road when he saw a man coming toward him carrying a huge, heavy load. The load was so heavy that the poor man was nearly bent over and the load was so huge that his body was twisted up, and gnarled. Feeling great compassion, the first man offered to help carry the load.
“Oh, thank you, Sir. I have carried this load for as long as I can remember. It is so heavy and so overwhelming that I have been unable to do anything else. I have been unable to embrace my wife, dance with my daughter at her wedding, or hold my grandchildren on my knee. Managing this load has become my whole life.”
The first person replied, “I am glad to help. Where are we taking this load?”
The man replied, “I’m not sure. I’m carrying it because it is so important.”
“Well, what is in the load that is so important?” Asked the first person.
“I’m not sure. But I’ve always carried it so it must be very important.”
The first man began to examine the load and found old wadded up newspaper, half eaten lunches, orange peels and candy wrappers. He asked, “Tell me Sir: this load does not appear to be important. Would it be possible to discard some of this?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve always carried it so it must be very important,” was his reply.
The first man continued his questions. “I see, Sir, that although you have put the load down you are still standing bent over and gnarled. Can you stand up straight? And come to think of it, while the load is on the ground and I am guarding it aren’t there things you’d like to do? Perhaps kiss your wife or hold your grandchildren?”
“I’m not sure. This is the way I’ve stood for as long as I can remember. I wouldn’t know where to start if I were to do anything else.”
Well, that’s just a silly old story that doesn’t really mean much. Except, sometimes we are so bent down and our lives so formed by the burdens we choose to carry that we are unable to enjoy the life God has given us. This Lenten season, rather than giving up chocolate, soda, soap operas or “Survivor” might you give up a burden you are carrying – a regret, grudge, anger, or unrealistic expectation – that is keeping you from enjoying the fullness of life God intends for you?
Put down that burden. Jesus said “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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 NRSV)
May this Lenten season deepen your devotion to Jesus and draw you closer to him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
