Jesus Our Burden Bearer
Our son and daughter- in-law were recently blessed with the birth of their second child. My husband and I went to visit them in Huntington Beach. We wanted to share the first week of little Josslyn's life with them and hopefully to lend them a helping hand. The weather was pleasant and sunny and after a few days our daughter- in- law yearned to take a walk along the beach. We packed up the family and headed to the oceanfront.
Ordinarily Josslyn's big sister Lilly, a child with boundless energy, would have gladly skipped and run along for great distances with us. However, that day after walking for some time, Lilly, all of 4 years old now, said, “Nanna I'm so tired, would you please carry me.” Lilly had been a real trooper. She had weathered the stress of Mommy being in the hospital, of sharing Mommy with a new sibling, and of having her routine interrupted by a house full of relatives. While she had experienced the joy of this blessed event, I realized that she was also just plain tuckered out, and maybe even a bit perplexed with it all.
I gladly swooped Lilly up in my arms and began to carry her. I lagged sheepishly behind the rest of the group hoping not to draw attention to Lilly and myself. I was just sure that someone would tell me to put my granddaughter down and to let her walk on her own. They would be concerned that she was too heavy for me to carry and tell me that she didn't need this assistance. However, this precious little girl just melted into my arms. Her head sank into my shoulder in absolute trust and peace.
Yes, she was getting a bit heavy for Nanna to carry. However, I felt such strength and joy at being able to comfort her and bear her up at this transition point in her life. I couldn't help but think of how Jesus must feel when He carries us in His arms at those times when we are too weak to sustain ourselves. His love for us is overwhelming and I'm just sure that he delights in meeting our needs and in bearing our burdens. No wonder he advises us to become like little children in our trust and confidence in Him.
After a while my son finally turned around and “caught” me with Lilly enfolded in my arms. Instead of advising me to put her down, though, he gently revealed a knowing and compassionate smile. He tenderly reached out his arms to Lilly and proceeded to carry her himself. He was a daddy for the second time now and was growing in wisdom and grace. Perhaps he too, was identifying with the empathy which our loving Saviour feels for his sheep.
My hope is that we will turn in prayer to the Great shepherd when we feel that we just cannot cope. He will gladly bear us up, brighten our path, and grant us rest for our bodies and souls.
"He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries
them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
"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 (NIV)
By Cathy Friberg
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