The Weighty Burden

Navigating the journey of raising five children brought a formidable load of laundry. No matter my strategies to conquer this ever-growing challenge, the ceaseless mound of dirty clothes seemed impossible. As I reflect on the days when I raised my children, I recognize the blessings of a washing machine; however, my washer was small, and the spin cycle was broken, leaving the clothes wet even after the attempt. As a busy mother, I hoped the dryer would efficiently dry the soaking wet clothes, leading to seemingly endless drying cycles.

This experience brought to mind my grandmother's days, facing the colossal task of washing seven children's clothes on a scrub board. The difficulty she must have faced is beyond my imagination. Grandma didn't have the luxury of a dryer; instead, she used a clothesline to let the garments air-dry in the warm sun and gentle breeze.

Now an empty nester, my laundry loads have significantly lightened. My husband's efforts in securing top-notch appliances have greatly aided in managing these lighter loads. I can keep up not only because the volume is smaller but also due to the efficiency of the appliances.

This experience parallels carrying heavy loads that we are not designed to bear. Some problems intensify and become more burdensome over time. Jesus teaches us that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. I've discovered that my load lightens when I cast my cares upon our Lord and Savior. Often, we carry our burdens inefficiently, becoming overloaded, much like my old washing machine. We get weighed down trying to be the solution and do not embrace the abundant life that Jesus came to give. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

How do you cast your cares and give them to Jesus? I find myself kneeling by my bed or lying prostrate on the ground, begging for God's mercy. As I pour out my heart and allow God to listen, the moment I stand to my feet, I feel strengthened again. What the enemy intended to use to weaken me becomes my strength when I cast it upon Jesus, the life-giver Himself. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Sometimes, I cannot lighten this load or cast my cares alone. It takes a moment in the community of believers, with worship and support that I don't receive when alone, for the heaviness and weight to be lifted from my shoulders. I've learned that God will come through if I allow Him to. I encourage you to cast your cares and walk with a skip in your step. This doesn't mean the problem disappears; it means you are trusting Jesus to take over and breathe life into what might seem an impossible situation. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

"I hope that today, you will join me in reaching heaven through your prayers, just like a fly fisherman casting his line as far as he can. Let Jesus take over and carry the weight of your burdens."