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“For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:30 (ESV)

It has been said that there is an art to packing successfully.

Many would reason that effective packing means taking all you need while keeping the load light.

I know the “packing” drill oh so well, as I have been a flight attendant for over thirty years now; traveling is a big part of my life. I have packed a suitcase more times than I care to count and can truthfully say, I have mastered the art of effective packing.

To make a trip successful, what we decide to place in our luggage is extremely important!

A personal trip this past week made me think just how much this is like our life. It is really important to guard what we place in our personal luggage – our hearts.

As I have walked through this grief journey of losing someone who was such a vital part of my life on earth, I have struggled with what I now place in my luggage.

Sorrow.

Fear.

Anger.

Doubt.

Loneliness.

Oh, and did I mention sorrow? You get the picture. These are heavy emotions. They weigh me down and take up space that does not allow me to be an effective tool in serving God. If we allow it, sorrow can be devastating. But, trust me when I say, God allows our sorrow to help us do great things. We will become more effective in our Christian walk than we would have been without the sorrow, IF, and only if, we allow Him to use us and our story to minister to others. Ministering to others does not necessarily have to be in form of writing or speaking, but, simply how we live through the sorrow.

Praising Him even in the storm.

Eventually, we will be able to pack away the sorrow and allow God room in our luggage to open the rivers of His grace. To do any less would be a great disservice to Him. Our load is lightened as we let go of the heaviness that sorrow, fear, anger, doubt and loneliness place in our heart. And, oh my friend, how He wants to help.

All who willingly come will receive peace and comfort in their hearts. We must take His yoke and submit to His authority. He desires to accept the willing servant, and it is here we can find rest for our soul. This is Christ’s invitation to join with us and carry our load.

We must come to Him daily for deliverance from all the heaviness this world offers.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for emotions, even the emotion of sorrow, Lord. As hard as this grief journey of losing our beloved husband is, we ask You to come with us to help carry the burden. We pray others can see the hope we have in You. Give us strength as we begin to pack away their sorrow and replace it with joy. Amen.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:30 (The Message)