I looked over to the next row of treadmills and I saw her.
A young woman was trotting on the belt at a pretty good clip. She was leaning forward, knees bent…really working hard. But what caught my eye was the backpack. She had a medium-sized pouch slung across the middle of her back.
“Hmm..what’s that all about?” I thought to myself. Maybe she forgot to bring a lock for her locker. Then it came to me. Duh! She was adding extra weight to make her workout harder. Carrying extra pounds would make her heart beat faster, and buildup more leg muscle too. What an ingenious idea. Like ankle weights for your back.
She could have done her workouts with out the extra burden. But she knew it wouldn’t have been as effective. It would have taken longer to achieve the level of fitness she was aiming for, if she’d get there at all.
Do you remember watching astronauts come out of their capsules after being in space for weeks or months? They had been living in a totally weightless environment. The pull of gravity, which we take for granted, was enough to buckle their knees. All that time without stress on their muscles made them so weak they couldn’t stand.
This young woman and the astronauts were not the first to see the benefits of burdens.
Wandering around this earth without any worries or concerns probably sounds really good. We see stresses and burdens as the short way to a head of gray hair and acid reflux disease. Yet, God sees oceans of good in our struggles. He doesn’t want us living our lives with weak spiritual muscles.
The tension between our human tendencies and our spiritual needs is like our gravity. That push and pull is always there. Efforts to balance the needs of the body and the desire of the soul will never go away.
But God wants you more fully at home with him. He knows you are capable of becoming a powerhouse witness for him. So…out comes the backpack. I don’t know what’s in yours. Mine has all my worries, the financial struggles, anger, problems with the kids…there’s a lot in there. It doesn’t feel very good. My backpack is so heavy sometimes it sags down to my knees.
But there is Good News. The Lord wants to be my Spiritual Trainer. He doesn’t ever leave me alone with my burden. He’ll help me carry the pack, while getting me into spiritual shape. So I guess I’ll hike up that sagging pack and get on my back again. Like that young lady on the treadmill, pretty soon I’ll be running with purpose and strength.
“Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.” Matthew 11:30
Only God can make my burdens easy. As he helps me carry my load, I become strong enough to do great things. I was never meant to carry my backpack alone. Neither are you. So let’s surrender all those heavy things to the Lord. We’ll be ready to run the race like a champion. Because our Trainer really is.
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
Interesting that you should post this tonight. I was talking to a friend about this very thing today. I really like the backpack analogy.
Hi Mari! I think we all wonder why we have burdens, even though Jesus had them, so we will too. I liked the backpack analogy too, something that’s heavy, but makes me stronger.
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil, another amazing post. It never ceases to amaze me how you use analogies to get a great point across! Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Linda! Yay, you’re connected!! I hope your time away is a good one.
Thank you for your encouragement, I really appreciate it. I do like to write about how everyday things can teach about the movement of God in life. It’s fun!
Have a great Monday
Ceil
Hello my friend! Do you know how long it has been since I’ve dropped in for a visit. . .all I know is that it’s been TOO long! I can’t tell you how nice it is to have a few quiet moments to read you inspiring post.
I enjoy running so reading your post this evening painted quite the picture in my head as you brought in the spiritual aspect. I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciate the words.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer
Take care, sweet Ceil! Love and hugs being sent your way!
Hi Stephanie! It’s nice to see you here! I know you are crazy busy after your blog-break. I hope it had some rest in it?
I’m glad you liked the post, thank you for your kind words.
Hugs and blessings to you too
Ceil
Hi Ceil! As a cyclist I understand the case for burdens. I am 6’5″ and weigh in at 203. I am particularly aware of the extra “weight” I carry when I try to climb a hill with someone who weighs 170 pounds and is only 5’10”. There is a big difference in how long it takes and effort it takes to climb the hill. I liken that to what you have done here. Carrying that weight makes it harder but there is no way I can get much lower (I also lift weights) and definitely can’t get to their weight. The extra weight is a burden. That extra care or concern or sin is much more of a burden than God ever intended me to carry. Good point this morning.
Hi Bill! Interesting way you compared the backpack to your own body. We don’t have much control over how tall we are, so that can be an unintentional burden sometimes. I get that. Thank you!
I pray we will all be able to scale those hills, no matter what our burdens. The Lord will help us if we let him!
Have a blessed day,
Ceil
Ceil, sometimes I load my pack with things God doesn’t intend for me to carry and that is when I stumble under the load. I love the image of Jesus taking that heavy backpack and giving me his lighter one. Such a kind and thoughtful thing that He does for us.
Hi Pam! I didn’t think of that angle, but I know it’s true. Certainly I add worry to my load, which we are instructed not to do. Good point! There are so many ways to see this image, isn’t there?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment my friend,
Ceil
GREAT analogy! I trained last year with 30 pounds of rice in my backpack—-it drew LOTS of conversation. He is training us—for HIS good purpose! Happy Monday, Friend!
Hi Lulu! Oh my gosh, my knees ache just thinking about your thirty pound burden. Wow. I bet you felt light as a feather taking that off, right? And you must have gotten so strong too!
He is training for his purpose, absolutely. I’m not sure I’d take on the burdens he gives me on my own. I tend to train without a load on my back. His way is hard, but it gets me further, that’s for sure.
Happy Monday to you too
Ceil
Ceil this a great! I love the example you have used in this post! It’s so helpful for me to remember that that I’m not met to carry the burden. Many of us need to be reminded of this daily because it’s so easy to get weighed down with so many things coming at us from different directions of life. Thanks for the encouragement!
Hi Shade! Life sure gets complicated doesn’t it? And I end up looking and struggling with the complications instead of giving them back to the Lord, who assures me he’ll carry it. Or make it really light. What an awesome God!
Thank you for your encouraging posts too, I’m so glad we’re connected!
Ceil
How do you think of this stuff??!! It’s always amazing! Just amazing!
Hi Patty! I believe that everyday, the Lord waves frantically at me in his people and creation…he wants me to notice!! Sometimes I do, mostly I don’t. But when I do, I write about it. It is pretty amazing, isn’t it? I agree. I enjoy noticing, it’s fun
Thank you for your encouragement, I really appreciate it,
Ceil
Ceil: Wonderful thoughts about burdens. God works through our burdens and lifts us up.
Hi Cecelia! I like your thought too. God does work through our burdens, they are not a block to him. He calls in every place and time in our life. Good one! Thank you
Happy Monday!
Ceil
People have always asked why God allows so much suffering in the world. Is it to strenghten us in Faith and to give us an opportunity to do good? (A bit like a back pack?)
When we ask God for more Faith; He gives us opportunities to strengthen and increase our Faith. But He will not allow us to be tested beyond our endurance (1 Corinthians Chapter 10 Verse 13). He is not, after all, in the business of loosing souls!
This is a brilliant post Ceil. Thanx. It’s a good reminder for the times when life is hard and we seem to carry a heavy load on our shoulders.
God bless you always.
Hi Victor! Great point about the Lord not wanting to lose us. So true! Of course he wants to help us, and thank you for including the Scripture reference. I never thought of that.
We are all carrying heavy loads, some just seem heavier than others. I need to be reminded myself that God is there, and ready to help.
Blessings to you too my friend,
Ceil
Wonderful analogy, Ceil! As they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Our joint inheritance with Christ includes access to His infinite power, wisdom and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and our eternal future with Him in Heaven. But it also includes the suffering and trials He experienced — without these burdens, we can’t be conformed into His image.
May you have a blessed week in Him,
Laurie
Hi Laurie! I have heard that saying many times, and it sure does fit in here. Thank you!
You are right, we do get the benefits of Jesus’ presence, so we must accept the hard stuff too. It makes us more like him, as you said.
Thank you for your good wishes, may you have a good week too
Ceil
Ceil, So relevant for me to read right now. Lots of things going on in the Morgan household (email me), and I have spent many a sleepless night trying to come up with plan a, b, and c. This is what I do. I’m an organizer down to the last second. But this is not my time to organize. I believe that God is wanting my husband and I both to sit back and trust Him to take the wheel and trust Him. Because only He knows our future before we were born, and once He has revealed His plans to us, we believe we are going to be able to witness and minister like we never have before. I have only been making burdens heavy for me – and probably getting in His way – by trying to control the situation.
Sometimes I picture God just shaking His head and laughing at us while He taps His foot impatiently, ha ha.
Thanks for this, Ceil.
Hi Kim! Boy, can I relate to that. I was just thinking today that God knew everything that would happen to me before I was born…especially the stuff that would really challenge me. I’m sure he didn’t like it much either, but could see the good it would do.
I sure hope I learn my lessons well, and carry that load knowing he will help me.
I’ll send an email now,
Ceil
My backpack is quite full and burdensome, like many others. But this is a great illustration that I know I can use to help others when their load becomes too heavy. My aunt is struggling in her family right now and she just refuses to let the Lord take it. She insists on carrying that load! Thanks Ceil you make things so clear and “ah ha”! Have a great day!
Hi Monica! I remember several times in my life when I was just like your aunt. It really is exhausting. Some things just refuse the ‘easy fix’ when we can pretend we did it all alone. Then it’s so hard to face, and I know I felt like a failure.
I pray that your Aunt will come to give it over and let go. It does feel great. And I’ll pray that I don’t continually let go and then go grabbing at it again. Yuck!
So glad you liked the post today, thank you for your generosity in telling me
Ceil
Oh, I loved this! I have gray hair (dyed) AND acid reflux problems, so I get the results of stress! (Throw in some insomnia and headaches, too).
Burdens are not my favorite thing. But, you’re right, Ceil, they do produce endurance, and we are told that that will lead to confident hope. Maybe it’s when we feel most burdened that we are forced to look to the sky. Hope is a much more precious commodity when we are feeling overcome and overwhelmed – and consequently, it means a lot more.
OK, Lord, the backpack is pretty heavy right now. And You added another big worry just today. So, please, help me carry it. Help me run…
GOD BLESS!
Hi Twin! Burdens are definitely not my favorite thing either Sharon. You have a good point about turning to the Lord when I know it’s all too heavy. Hope doesn’t disappoint, so let’s keep doing that!
I’m sorry you have another added burden today…maybe your backpack is sagging a little. But I know God will help you carry it, and run too
Blessings to you, the greatest hockey fan!
Ceil
Thanks for this lovely entry. Jesus truly said, “…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Hi Deb! Thank you for your kind words. It’s hard to believe sometimes, but the Lord truly wants us to have a easier way in life. Trust in him, and do not fear…hard to do, but the best thing always!
Thank you for your visit tonight!
Ceil
I really do love the analogies you make. It makes the message resonate. You have a gift, Ceil. Thank you for sharing it with us. You surely stay true to the title of your blog. Love it.
Hi Beth! What a sweet comment, thank you! You really do lift me up, and I appreciate that a lot.
Blessings to you my friend,
Ceil
Ceil, you have done an excellent job with this analogy. I know all too well how limiting extra weight can be.
Hi Wanda! Thank you for your lovely comment today, I appreciate your support. Extra weight is no fun, especially if you are carrying it by yourself. It’s a good reminder to me to trust more, that’s for sure.
Nice to see you tonight! Have a restful night,
Ceil
Wonderful analogy. As I was reading I thought of the Biosphere down by Tucson. It is a place where they have a massive bubble to simulate life on another planet, it’s fully self contained with plants, trees, the whole nine yards. A while back as the trees were beginning to get more mature the heavy branches on the trees would just snap and fall off. They discovered that the constant push and pull of the wind made the tree gain it’s strength… Same designer!
His burden is indeed easy and His yoke light. Good one, Ceil.
Hi Floyd! I visited the Biosphere two years ago with my sister. It’s an amazing place! I can’t imagine living there for years, like the scientists did though. I’m glad they did, but it’s not for me.
What an interesting fact about the trees…they need the resistance too. God is an amazing creator…or ‘designer’ as you said. I guess resistance is good for all living things.
Nice to see you! Have a good night,
Ceil
Ceil, it’s time for you to write a book. Your words, your wisdom… sigh… it is inspiring.
“Tension between our human tendencies and our spiritual needs is like our gravity”… that is beautiful my friend. Wow.
I don’t like to be uncomfortable – I think most of us would feel that way – so I often try to lighten the load… my way. God knows how to help, He can help with that burden and He knows the best way for that to occur. It might initially be a little uncomfortable but the results are often worth it.
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for your kind words. You have no idea how much I appreciate them. I’m so glad that you liked the post.
That’s a great point about wanting to lighten the load by ourselves. When trouble comes, I wriggle like a fish on the line to try and get out of it. But like you said, God knows the best way, even if it’s the heavy way. I like your insight!
Have a great Wednesday
Ceil
What an awakenng thought Ceil. I never thought it that way. For ne too, I feel that sometimes it is too much. Thank you for this thought!
Hi Joy! I’m glad you saw some benefit in the post Joy! I think it’s natural to get dragged down by burdens. If I remember that my Trainer wants to help me carry them, it gets better
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Ceil