Jeff and I travel a lot—the first month of our marriage we went to 5 different states for conferences, youth camps and a radio taping! Needless to say my husband has mastered packing—he can throw everything together in his tiny suitcase (let’s be honest…it’s the size of my purse–and lighter) in 15 minutes flat. And it’s organized! Now I’ve done my fair share of traveling, and although I certainly can’t throw everything together in 15 minutes, I can do it quicker than some. However, my downfall is that I usually pack a lot. I know how to use up every nook and cranny and I pack it in! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to weigh my bag at the airport and it’s been exactly 50 lbs.
This past trip we went on, since we were gone for a whole week, we packed a few more bags than our usual carry ons. My mama purse, his backpack, two big suitcases and the baby one. 5 bags…oh and my purse.
The morning we checked out of our hotel in Philly, I was faced to do it alone since Jeff was already workin’ away at the conference. I called to make sure we could store our luggage for awhile. The concierge said of course & then asked me if I wanted a bellman to help carry our bags down.
“No thank you,” I said sweetly. Really, I’m cheap and wanted to save money, and I also like a good challenge—can I carry all 6 bags down by myself? You betchya!
I placed the backpack on my belly like a pregnant woman, placed my purse on my shoulder, and my mama bag on my forearm. I strapped the little baby bag on one of the big suitcases, then I grabbed both big ones and slowly…turtle slow…shuffled my way to the elevator. Thankfully no one was inside when the door opened to see this spectacle. Once the elevator hit the lobby floor, the doors swung open, and I ungracefully pushed all of the bags out the door. I couldn’t go much further. I’m surprised I didn’t fall. The bellman, seeing my fumbling, came quickly to relieve me of all my bags.
Whoo! What a sigh of relief to hand those babies off.
Bags. Heavy. Inconvenient. Big.
Isn’t our sin like that? Heavy? Burdensome? Weighs us down? And yet we like to manage it—keep it under our control because we think we’re better at handling it than Jesus is. How easy it would have been to admit that yes, I needed help and to have the bellman come up and place all of our bags on his nice rolly cart. But no, I had to do it. (Granted, I am quite tickled that I did—and that I saved us a few bucks, but that’s a different matter…)
Beloved, Jesus wants to free you from your sin. He wants to free you from your heaviness of heart—whatever it is. Your worry, fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, your desire to take control; your job, school, friends, family, trials and circumstances. He is there. He is right with you.
He is asking you, “Beloved, let me take your bags. Let me take care of them. I am God Almighty. I am in control. I am able. These bags are weighing you down –let me free you. Trust me. Give it to me.”
Whatever is in your heart today, whatever you are struggling with or trying to manage—give it to the LORD. He has called you to freedom, called you to joy and peace. He is full of grace, forgiveness, mercy and tenderness.
Don’t do it on your own. Look to Jesus. Call on Jesus. Trust in Jesus.
“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.” || Matthew 11:28-30
Thank you so much for your encouraging blogs, Alyssa! You are such a wonderful role model for girls! Especially us college aged dating type 😀 In the short time I have been reading your blogs, I’ve learned so much already! Thanks!!
Every time I read your blogs they are always exactly what I need to hear! Thank you Alyssa! You are so beautifully encouraging and wise. Bless you 😀
I can’t even express how perfect this fits in today. Thank you, Alyssa… and thank you, Lord.
Alyssa,
I just love your blogs! They are always just what I need to hear. Thank you so much for sharing what is on your heart and the truth! 🙂
Wonderful post. I love how you started with the story, and then moved into the analogy. Very good writing!
Thank you for constantly showing up in your life & sharing the love of JESUS.. It really helps me in my life reading your blogs. Next time I come to FTK just expect to get hugged…LOL just a random Samoan lady giving you a hug. lol Like Jeff says nuggets… this is nuggets w/ sauce hahaha honeymustard or which ever 😀 God bless thank you so much.
Thanks God for your life 🙂 You remind me the kind of girl God wants me to be as 1 Peter 3:4.
A wonderful truth, thank you 🙂 It also occurred to me as I was reading that Jesus would have (and did) offer to take our bags for free! Amazing!! God Bless.
Thanks Alyssa, great timing! Love this. Always in need of resting in God!! X