A Modern Parable
A man lived in a small village next to the mountain. Every morning, he would sit on the bench behind his house, and speak to the Lord.
One day, the Lord said to him “Take the rock you see in front of you. Put it in your cart and take it to the top of the mountain. It is needed there.”
That seemed like an odd request. But, it was the Lord asking, so he picked up the rock, put it in the cart, and started down the dirt path through town.
It was a gorgeous day, sunny and cool. He was used to pulling heavier loads, so the task was easy. He even started humming while making his way to the foot of the slope.
Walking along, he heard his name. He turned, and saw his uncle in the doorway of his house. “Where are you going?” his uncle called. He replied: “I am taking this rock to the top of the mountain.”
“Perfect! Would you take this bolt of cloth with you? It needs to be delivered to the top of the mountain too!”
Being generous of heart, the man agreed. The bolt was loaded into the cart.
Passing another house, again his name was called. “Brother! Where are you going?” Would he take some of her melons with him? He couldn’t deny his sister. In the melons went. This happened again and again, and by the time he got out of the town, he had quite a load.
Pulling the cart on level ground was not easy. But now the mountain path loomed.
Rising up the path to the summit, the man had to make many stops. He was getting overheated now, the sweat running down his red face. His breath became labored in the thinning air.
He started to complain. “Lord! Why did you give me such a hard task today? I am getting tired, and my muscles are so sore. I don’t think I’ll make it to the top. Why did you set me up to fail this way?”
The Lord answered him gently. “My son, I only gave you the rock to take with you. And that burden was light and easy for you. It was you who decided to take the additional loads.”
The Lord continued: “Now you are overburdened, and that is right. Those parcels were never meant for your cart.”
I love this story. It reminds me that God does not choose ways for me that will make me resentful, overtired and breathless. His burden is easy and light. Sometimes, I just make my day much more complicated than it has to be.
Lord, help me carry my burden today. It’s enough for me. Help me to encourage others, as they walk their mountain path too. They have their load, and I have mine. Together, we’ll make it to the top.
Linking today with: Faith Filled Friday ; Bible Love Notes , Faithful Friday , Essential Fridays ,
Friday Five
Linking today with: Faith Filled Friday ; Bible Love Notes , Faithful Friday , Essential Fridays ,
Friday Five
Wow, so powerfully inspiring my friend.
Hi Denise! So glad you liked this, Denise, and that it inspired you too
Happy Friday!
Ceil
What a beautiful word picture of how we often take on more than the Lord intended for us to bear. Isn’t it odd how there are only two letters in the word NO, but we find it one of the hardest words to speak? Thank you, Ceil, for sharing this illustration. It will stick with me!
And thank you for the kind words that you left for me yesterday. I feel the same way concerning you!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Dianna! I know! It’s so hard for me to make choices sometimes. It’s like I’m not allowed to say no. I’m getting better at it though
Thank you for coming by. I like to see your smiling face!
Ceil
Ceil, there you go making sense again! Sometimes it is not easy to say no to people and not be helpful (said the people pleaser.) But I get it – I will work on this. Kim
Hi Kim! I guess I always say yes, because if they ask, it must mean that’s what God wants for me. Not always. I need to make sure I can balance my own load first.
I think we are all ‘people pleasers’, but just finding the right balance is the tough part. We’ll work on it together
Ceil
Love this faith lesson! Thanks for sharing it. It’s a great reminder especially when we start feeling overwhelmed with “responsibilities” that we take on. I’m a little torn at times because we are also told in Scripture “not to become weary in well doing.” I know there is a balance in there somewhere! So important to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting!
Hi Natalie! Thank you so much for coming over to visit, and for joining the blog. I look forward to getting to know you better!
I think balance is what it’s all about, so true. I also think if we are huffing and puffing and getting irritated, it’s time to rethink!
Hope you have a blessed weekend!
Ceil
This is a beautiful and very truthful parable.
Sometimes it takes a heavy burden to learn the simple lesson.
Sue
Hi Sue! I can sure relate to your insight. I have taken up way too much so many times. I hope I’m learning my lesson, I really do. It never ends up well for anyone!
Thank you for coming here, it’s so nice to see your flowers!
Ceil
Thank you for sharing this, Ceil … It is so true – we’re often piling thing upon our shoulders that are not meant to be there at all – I needed to be reminded about this!
Lovely weekend to you!
Nina
HI Nina! I needed to be reminded of it too, I was so happy to hear this story. I know we all struggle with this from time to time…just seems like I am the ‘queen’ of saying yes, when I should say ‘no’.
Blessings, my friend!
Ceil
Ceil, this was a beautiful message. God has been revealing how I’ve taken on more than He intended or wants from me. I’m slowly learning where to let go. Loved the story you shared. Thank you for your recent kind comments on my blog! Blessings,
Beth
Hi Beth! How nice to see you here today
Isn’t that something that you have been working on this very think in your life. I know you have been so busy, it’s hard to keep up with all the things you are so capable of doing. But..’no’ is sometimes a good word too
It’s a pleasure to visit your blog, Beth.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Wow, how that story speaks to me. Last year I received a not so great diagnosis from the doctor. Since then, I have tried to live a more “thoughtful” life. When I look back on a life I believe to be wonderful, my only regrets are times when I gave time and service (even in church) that were for good things and other people but were things the Lord had not called me to do. I thought I had to please others or if I didn’t do it, no one else would. I see now that it often caused resentment, and took energy, time, and resources that should have been for more meaningful things. It caused me to really “burn out”. Hope that makes sense. I’m so glad I found your blog, what an encourager you are!
Hi Peggy! I hope you are doing better? No one likes to hear bad news from the doctor, that’s for sure.
I love your outlook on life though. To be more thoughtful is something I really need to work on. I have been ‘burnt out’ more than I care to remember. I bet you are a very capable person, and people called on you a lot. Be sure to protect your health…and sanity!
Thank you for your kindness, Peggy. Your encouraging comment is really appreciated.
Blessings to you!
Ceil
I haven’t heard this before… but I am guilty of taking on more than I can manage because I can’t seem to say no.
Thanks for this lovely reminder.
Blessings.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! I’m glad this is new to you too, I loved it. You are not alone in taking on just a little too much, believe me! I don’t know why, but it seems easier to say yes than to say no. I’m getting better at it though!
Thank you for coming over today! Did you take a new picture? I almost didn’t recognize you!
Ceil
Ha, yes! I so relate to this. I am known for taking on too much because I think it sounds like fun or I want to help a friend. I have been really working on paring things down. I normally do so much running around with my kids and I’ve been realizing how much we need more time at home. We took the week off from obligations this week and all three kids made huge developmental strides. Here I am normally running all over, when what they really need is just a few hours at home in the morning to learn and explore….and relax.
Hi Anne! I am so happy that you were able to take some time at home with the kids. Sometimes, it’s just impossible. What a gift for you, and your family.
I am working on slowing down too, I just have to put on some brakes and then be able to see where God leads. I hope I can be patient? I hope so, I don’t want to get all sweaty and breathless again!
Have a great weekend, Anne
Ceil
~ God does not choose ways for me that will make me resentful, overtired and breathless. His burden is easy and light. Sometimes, I just make my day much more complicated than it has to be~
Thank you so much for reminding me again about burdens and task that God wants me to bring. Sometimes it’s hard to understand what God’s will. but His way are perfect.
Thinking of you and praying for you.
Blessing,
delvalina
Hi Delvalina! Thank you so much for your prayers. I pray for everyone who is following me on the blog, so you are in mine as well.
It is hard to understand the will of God, but I know I’m the one that is making it hard. His yoke is easy, and he’ll make sure I get the job done. It’s all that extra junk…that has to go!
Thank you for being such a faithful blog friend, Delvalina. You are so supportive to me. I appreciate it so much.
Blessings,
Ceil
A great reminder that some times the right response is NO. It’s just as important as knowing when to say yes.
Hi Wanda! Thank you for your fun bloghop today! You are a busy person, and you must have a lot of experience with ‘no’. What a blessing that is.
For someone like you, with so many gifts, it must be difficult to figure out what is the best thing, but I think you are good at it. I hope I’ll be as good someday!
Have a great weekend!
Ceil
I loved this story, Ceil! Thanks so much for sharing it! Blessings to you!
Hi Lynn! How nice to see you here!
I am so glad you enjoyed this little parable. I learned a lot from it, that’s for sure.
Thank you for your blessings
Have a wonderful weekend, and a restful one,
Ceil
I needed this today. Thank you sweet friend.
Hi Nan! Well, I guess in one way I’m sorry you need it, on the other hand, I’m glad it’s here for you. It’s a great thing to know that what’s here can help.
Thank you for sharing that! You are such a good blog-friend.
Have a good weekend
Ceil
Hi there, I’ve heard this story before but love it! It’s such a great reminder of our human nature to take on more than we need to. Great post!
Thanks for linking up at Essential Fridays. Blessings.
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Hi Mel! You’ve hear of it before? How about that. I am sure a lot of other people have too, it was just new to me. I’m glad you could see it as a reminder!
Thank you for hosting the Essential Bloghop!
Ceil
I love this story that is really true. Sometimes we put other burdens in us that makes all thingd difficult to carry. Wr forget that we can put all the burdens to God. Nice sharing sister:)
Hi Joy! Thank you for coming over and commenting.
I think you have the idea perfectly. Unfortunately, I still have a way to go to get it into my head and heart
Have a good weekend,
Ceil
Inspiring parable and a lesson for us all. Have a great weekend!
Hi MIndy! Glad you liked it, and I hope your weekend is good too.
Always nice to see your smiling face here
Ceil
Ceil, this was a profound post. I pray it comes to mind whenever I am feeling frustrated or put-upon.
Hi Elizabeth! I am so thankful that you liked it! I hope it comes to my mind too, I have really been trying to be better about taking on too much.
Blessings to you,
Ceil
Excellent story and good food for thought!
Hi Joyful! I am so happy that you liked it! Thank you so much for coming over and making a comment too. It’s great to get to know you better
Happy Saturday!
Ceil
Thank you for stopping by my blog. Nice to meet you!! What a great post. Blessings
P.S. I added you to my blog list, if that’s ok, if not, let me know.
Hi Linda! It was so nice to find your blog. Thank you for coming on over and joining me too. I am always so excited to make new blog-friends.
Of course, you can add me to your bloglist! Mine needs a bit of an update, so I hope you won’t mind if you end up on mine?
Blessings!
Ceil
This is a great parable. Thanks so much. Much food for thought here – that I really need (I tend to overburden myself and need to change that). Thanks so much for this story.
Hi Deb! I really liked this too. It’s much needed for me. I tend to throw myself at any job I am asked to do. Not good! Time to sit back a bit and just pull my own stuff for a while!
Good to see you, Deb
Ceil
Wow – so much truth in this post! Thanks so much for sharing it and thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. Any blog friend of Christine’s is a blog friend of mine, LOL. So glad to meet you
Be blessed,
Debbie
Hi Debbie! I love how we get connected through blogging. I love Christine’s blog, so I am sure I’ll enjoy yours too. I enjoy making new blog friends, so I hope that we will get to know each other better:)
Have a great weekend!
Ceil
Hello there! And thanks so very much for visiting my little blog! I have enjoyed spending time here, and am your newest follower. I can’t wait to read more. Have a wonderful weekend, new friend! : )
Hi Bille Jo! I am so glad that we got connected, and I look forward to becoming good blog friends
It was so nice of you to come over here, leave a comment, and join the blog too. I am a happy follower of yours!
I hope you have a great weekend,
Ceil
What a great story, Ceil! It reminds me of Hebrews 12:1 — we should lay aside the weights that are slowing us down on the race God has set for us. Praise God that His yoke is easy and His burden is light!
Love in Him,
Laurie
Hi Laurie! Thank you for coming over today and leaving a comment too.
It is an amazing thing that I don’t understand how easy and light it is! I keep complicating it, and thinking it’s just too hard.
Thank God for that light yoke! Amen.
Ceil
Very interesting and insightful story – we do that often, don’t we? Take on burdens that are not meant for us to bear; no wonder we struggle beneath the load at times. Thanks for the reminder to listen clearly to His instructions for me.
Hi Cherry! Thank you for taking the time to visit today!
I sure do it a lot, no question. I am working on saying ‘no’ as easily as I say ‘yes.’
I’ve been overburdened many times, and not only doesn’t it feel good, it’s just not the plan.
Nice to have met you!
Ceil
Hello Ceil, thanks for your kind comment over at my blog. It is so nice to visit you here. This particular post is very timely for me as I am over-burdening myself with certain things. This reminds me that it is all in His hands. Looking forward to visiting here more. Have a great day!
Hi Kathleen! So nice to meet you today! I look forward to getting to know you better, I am a member of your blog now
I think this theme of being overburdened is just universal. We all need to take care of ourselves better. Be helpful always, but be sure we are healthy enough to do that.
Happy Weekend!
Ceil
What a wonderful, insightful parable. It is exactly what I needed to read this day. Praise God for the encouragement I receive here. Tara.
Hi Tara! I am so glad you liked the post! And how lovely to meet you today. I am always happy to meet new blog friends.
Have a good weekend
Ceil
Love this story Ceil! Jesus knows the challenges and deadlines we face and the weariness of mind or body we feel. He understands the stress, tasks, and responsibilities that are weighing us down. As we lay all that concerns us before him, his purpose replaces our agenda, and his lightness and rest replace our burden.
Blessings and love; have a joyful week!
Denise
Hi Denise! I love this story too, it just reminds me how much I complicate God’s plan, thinking it’s supposed to be so hard. I like your thought about laying it all at his feet, and feeling that lightness. Good idea!
Good to see you, Denise!
Ceil
Hi Ceil! I read this and I realize its truth. I know that the Lord would want me to take rests during the day and not stress myself so much but I just want to be productive. Then lament when I’m over-wearied :(.
Hi Rina! Thank you for coming over today! Yes, we should all take care of ourselves, so we are ready and able to carry our loads. A great insight! I love that. Thank you for sharing that thought
Blessings!
Ceil
Oh yes, Ceil, God calls us to a simple life. It is our society that tells us we should be busy. Beautiful post!
Hi April! You are so right. Our lives should be simple, so we have an ear for the Lord. Most people ask you ‘what do you do?’ and they mean well. But rest is not really valued, is it?
Let’s just listen to the Lord, and he’ll let us know what he wants. Perfect!
Nice to see you today 😉
Ceil
Dear Ceil
This is so true! We believe so many lies about our Lord like it being our duty to carry everyone else.’s burdens. And then we believe it is what our Lord wants us to do. Great, great post thank you!
Blessings XX
Mia
Hi Mia! Yes, I think that is a good point. It’s not our duty to necessarily carry a burden that belongs to someone else. But we can always encourage them, as we carry our own. Sometimes we are called to be Simon, and help with a cross, but usually, we have enough trouble with our own!
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Mia. You are such a good blog friend!
Ceil
Learning to say no to others that need help can be a very hard thing to do. How do you know which ones to refuse and which to accept, which one He put there for us to accept? It is very hard and often overwhelming, especially when so much is expected of us.
I enjoyed reading your post. Have a blessed day!
Hi Suzanne! You have asked a very insightful question. It’s one you and I will ask ourselves our whole lives I think. We like to help, and want to be God’s hands and feet.
It helps to remember that the Lord has created many,many people, and they are all charged with carrying their load, and helping others. But…we should not try to help everyone, to the point of exhaustion. There are others who should be carrying loads too. We shouldn’t take that privilege away from them.
It’s definitely a learning curve. May God help us to do what is right!
Great comment, Suzanne.
Ceil
Loved reading this! Beautiful!
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for coming over tonight, and leaving a comment too. I am so glad you liked the parable. I learned a lot from it, but let’s see if it sticks with me, that is always the challenge.
Hope you had a good weekend! I hope you will come again, and we can get to know each other better!
Ceil
I loved this story, Ceil. And I will be on the lookout for just how many things I try to stuff in my wheelbarrow that were not really put there by the Lord.
A great word.
Blessings,
Janis
Hi Janis! Thanks for coming over and visiting today, you are up early!
You and me both, Janis. I am very bad at ‘overstuffing’ and I have to get better in tune with what the Lord wants for me. It shouldn’t be this hard.
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Hello Ceil! thanks for popping in my blog today. I do love this little story. How true that WE add stuff to our cart that God has not intended for us to carry. And we do it so easily! Just pile it on, as if we are the savior. I’ve written a couple posts about ‘dropping the backpack’ of stuff we lug around. I have to remind myself to do that often.
Hi Mare! Thank you for stopping by today! Love that comment “like we are the Savior”. Great insight! Thank you for that, I just love hearing great ideas from other bloggers.
The ‘backpack’ idea is a good one too. Can totally visualize that. I hope you stop by again, so we can get to know each other better!
Ceil