So my last day of babysitting before the Christmas break was a few weeks ago and something happened with the little one that is stamped on my memory. The little tyke had her arms full - toys under one arm, sippy cup under the other. But she still wanted this little plastic coin that we had been playing with even though there really was no way she could fit it in with everything else she was holding. I looked at her and I said, "Why don't you give me everything you're holding on to and then you'll be able to play with this coin much easier." But do you think that was a satisfactory compromise to her? No way. The incident lasted all of a few moments before she moved on to something else, but I didn't move on with her because of how this impacted me.
It made me think of my relationship with God. I'm living my life here on this earth desperately trying to hold on to everything I think I need to carry: my anxieties, my dreams, my fears, my failures. I have a firm grasp on all of this because if I let go, it will crumble. But God looks at me attempting to carry the weight of the world and He holds out His little plastic coin and says, "Take my yoke upon you, for it's easy and my burden is light." My response? I ask Him to find a place for it in my arms full of burdens.
This is going to be a short post today, but I still stand by my decision that today was the right time. Perhaps because many people around me are carrying the heavy burden of no electricity. Or perhaps because it's Christmas and we often receive more gifts than we know what to do with, so our arms are literally full. Whatever our burden this Christmas, let us make the choice to exchange it fort he rest and freedom that are found in Christ. I am in no way intending to belittle what you're going through - as my family says, "Everyone's big stuff is big for them" - but I want to encourage you with the reminder that God's shoulders are big enough and strong enough to carry the weight of your world. He just wants you to be freed from your heavy burdens.
In fact, that's why He sent His son - to relieve us of our burden of sin. And Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Isn't that the best gift ever?
Merry Christmas everyone!
“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 ~
