LIGHTEN THE LOAD


This hiking trip was doomed before I took the first step. The cardinal rule of back packing is to not carry more than 20-25% of your body weight on your back.  I started out with 35%+ at 10,000 feet and headed up. 

 The first day is always the toughest day--but add to that rain--a leaky tent--getting wet---temperatures dipping to the freezing mark & below---a strong wind blowing---shivering in the dark & wet all night.  I began hiking back--alone the next day with even more weight on my back--but thankfully moving down. 

 We are not meant to be beasts of burden and when we attempt to carry a load---we have our limits.  I was so relieved to catch that bus into town and have the bus driver help take that pack off my back, after hiking down the mountain.  After a while, you begin to take being weighted down for granted and do not realize how much easier the trek will be once the burden is lifted.

Life can be exactly like this little story.  We begin to pick up our baggage in childhood.  We are lugging that Childhood Trauma bag before we are big enough to drag the bag behind us.  The bags quickly begin to accumulate after that---Dysfunctional Family---Loss---Abuse---Struggle---Betrayal---Failure---Abandonment---Envy---Illness---Darkness---

Every turn in life seems to add another bag we have to lug around with us.  Soon we find ourselves surrounded--hemmed into a corner by all the baggage life has thrown at us.



And we are at a standstill unable to move another inch.




We loose sight of the bus stop, where all we have to do is ask for a ride.



And not only does the driver of the bus give us a free ride, but he will also help take the load off our backs and stow it away.  He will free us from the burden which is pulling us down --hemming us in---preventing forward motion.

That bus driver---the one who will step in and lift the weight off us which is pulling us down--who will drive us home---He is Jesus---who gladly bears our burdens.


Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens
Psalms 68:19

11 comments

  1. Another great post, Lulu...everyone has baggage/skeletons--everyone...however, the good Lord takes care of our burdens, if we let Him. Some people (in general) like to wallow in their baggage, which is ok, just don't get stuck for too long.

    Have a beautiful Monday friend, very cold and snowing here--there is like already 3 or so inches expecting upwards of near a foot by the time the storm is over with sometime during the week. Not complaining---it is winter, after all, wink.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BRRR!!! Beautiful sunny day here with temperatures moderating this week after our own cold for the South spell! I pray daily to keep moving forward and not become stuck!
      Blessings, Friend!

      Delete
  2. Such insight, analogies packed with truth. Your stories of hiking and travel always inspire sedentary me, Lulu ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, Linda, more stories to come with more adventures planned!
      Blessings, Friend!

      Delete
  3. My baggage has wheels. Makes it easier to tote around. (Just kidding) Another good life lesson.
    Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laughing, Sparky!! Good one!
      Blessings, Friend!

      Delete
  4. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like this analogy of the back pack. And how it gets heavier too when we try to fix all ourselves. Yes, His yoke is easy. I just have to let go of my pack and not always do it MY way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My adventures have lead to many a blog topic, Lynn. Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you will come back!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  6. I really like this analogy of the back pack. And how it gets heavier too when we try to fix all ourselves. Yes, His yoke is easy. I just have to let go of my pack and not always do it MY way.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!