“Let me help,” Carrie said to her daughter. “It’s too heavy for you.”

“No,” Rebecca said. “Let me do it.”

Rebecca insisted she carry the groceries from the store to their apartment. The five-year old could be stubborn at times, but Carrie knew if she didn’t let her try, it wouldn’t be pretty.

Her daughter’s temper tantrum in the grocery store was enough for today. The stares from the other shoppers embarrassed Carrie and she didn’t want to go through that again.

Why didn’t you let me have the car Joe? Was that too much to ask after everything you’ve done?

As if the betrayal of her husband wasn’t enough, now he insisted on getting everything. Carrie wiped the tear of frustration from her eye.

Rebecca whimpered. “Mommy, my arm hurts.”

Carrie stopped and knelt beside her daughter. She smiled at the precious gift God had given her.

Thank you Lord for this sweet girl.

“Honey, I will carry them now. Your turn is over.”

She reached for the groceries, but Rebecca pulled back. “No!”

Gently, Carrie lifted the heavy bags. The red marks on Rebecca’s hands told Carrie of the weight her daughter carried.

“You did good Rebecca, but it’s time to let go. Mommy will help.”

How many times do we overload ourselves with our burdens? Why don’t we let them go and give them to God?

We’re probably just as stubborn as Rebecca. We want to prove we can handle them. We’re strong enough and don’t need anyone’s help.

Yup, stubborn would be the word.

Or, I hate to say it, but maybe we like the attention from others when they know we’re burdened. We want people to feel sorry for us. We’ve all been there. I know I have. I admit it.

What would happen if we laid our burdens at Jesus’ feet?

I can say it in one word.

Freedom.

You know what it’s like to put down a heavy bag after carrying it so long? It feels good, doesn’t it?

Remember that the next time your load is heavy. Put it down.

God is saying, “You did good child. Now it’s My turn.”

Psalms 55:22 (NIV)

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.