It is September 1st, 2015.
How is it already September? Maybe you’re not surprised by how fast time seems to pass. I sure am.
Yet when I look back upon the past 8 months, I am constantly in awe with where it began and where we are. It also makes me crazy excited for what is to come. 1 Corinthians 2:9 kids!
Whether you’re excited that it is September, confused that it is September, or indifferent that it is September, this post is for all of us…a little back-to-school lesson that I for one, find myself being reminded of time and time again.
——————————————You. Are. Loved.———————————————-
When I was in University, I always looked forward to and yet dreaded book buying day. I loved getting my books for class but I dreaded the walk home with the extra weight. Every step required effort. I can clearly recall how I felt half way home and then the feeling when I could see my house in the distance. I also remember the sweet relief when I stepped through the doors and could put my heavy book bag down. What. A. Relief.
[During my first year, one of my roommates and I had excitedly bought our books and started our trek back to our dorm. Naively, we underestimated how heavy multiple books would be. We merely had our lists and bought everything on our lists. As we walked (ever so slowly) back with our backpacks and additional books, we were met by two (rather handsome) guys who were sophs at our dorm (senior buddies). They kindly offered to carry our book bags home for us. Thank you Jesus!]
I noticed that the more weight I carried, the harder it was and the slower I was moving forward. There is indeed something about traveling light.
I clearly recall during World Youth Day 2002 when we were leading a pilgrimage towards Downsview Park and had to walk quite a distance. Everyone had an overnight backpack. I thought I had packed light. I was wrong. But God being the amazing Father He is, stepped in and sent someone to rescue me. The sister of a friend of mine who was in our group offered to trade backpacks with me. She took my heavier one and I carried her extremely light one. I went from being weighed down by my stuff to walking freely.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.-Matthew 11:28
Last week I found myself struggling to stay focused. See I was carrying a heavy (emotional) backpack of sort that was preventing me from seeing anything else. How many of you can relate? Perhaps you find yourself in an overwhelming situation or the circumstances of your life are sucking the life out of you or the relationship you’re in seems to be getting worse.
“Thank you Jesus, just as I am I come…”
During my quiet time, I found myself eyes closed saying, “Jesus, I am struggling. I am having a hard time focusing on anything else but this thing I carry. Please help me to focus on what matters to you…”
In that instant, Jesus’ words from Matthew 11:28 pierced my heart and with it came a very vivid image. It was me carrying a heavy backpack but instead of clothes and food, it was filled with the heavy emotions. In the vision, I came to the altar and took off my backpack and left it at His feet. I no longer had to carry it. I could give my burdens to Him. In the same vision, I saw countless other people carrying even heavier backpacks coming to the altar and being invited to leave their bags.
Friends, God knows what we need. He doesn’t say to keep all your burdens and be bogged down, tired, depressed, and be without hope. No, Jesus says,
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”-Matthew 11:28
Oftentimes friends, Jesus comes in disguise. Sometimes He is disguised in the cute boys from school, or the incredible lady who offered to switch backpacks. Sometimes God will send others to help us with our burdens while at other times He will send you and I.
The question is, are you available? Am I available? God is able. Are you and I available?
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”-Matthew 11:28
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