How lovely on the mountain ...

We all took a walk together this morning. It was a beautiful, crisp, frosty morning here in AL and we were able to enjoy the frost on leaves, grass, and trees that were all glistening in the sun. There are also little "icicles" that heave up from the ground in the sandy soil and it is fun to crunch your way through them.

In the middle of our walk, Savannah found a flat stick about 1 foot long and covered with frost that she just "had" to have. I have to confess that I am not always the most patient with her when she finds her treasures - mainly because she wants to save everything! (side note: last week at my hair appointment, she wanted to save some of my hair - need I say more?)

I tried unsuccessfully a couple of times to get her to drop the stick - she was carrying it in both hands and it was awkward for her to carry. I was not getting anywhere, so decided to just "choose my battles" and let her learn the hard way. (can I get some sympathy from you parents?)

You really have to take the walk with me to understand it fully, but it is down a pretty big hill about 3/4 of a mile and then back UP that same hill for about 3/4 of a mile. It does roll a little for a few breaks, but nevertheless the first half of the walk is much easier than the second half.

So, she gets tired and wants to take a break ... (carrying a stick in both hands while walking up a hill - truly, it's tiring enough without carrying anything, let alone a stick in both hands)

Then, her hands are cold ... (hmmm - "Do you think that maybe holding onto a frozen piece of wood might have anything to do with it???") I again suggested that she let go of the stick and enjoy walking instead. To no avail.

Daddy also tried gently ... also with no success.

AND then it hit me - how much is that a picture of us and God at times? We want to carry the burden ourselves - do things our own way - be independent and stubborn, just because we want to have it our own way.

Well meaning people with our best interests in mind (I really did want to help her see that she didn't need that stick! I love her and wanted her to not have to be burdened down with it.) try to steer us back on track, try to show us the right way to go, try to help us ...

and.we.just.won't.listen.

I have so been there. Doing it my own way. Stubborn. Not listening to anyone - knowing they were right, but maintaining my independence - my right to choose for myself. Not pretty.

What happened next was just so tender to me (and John had no idea what was going on in my heart) -

Daddy stopped, turned around and came back and took her stick from her and carried it himself

... the rest of the way up the hill...

Do you see it? Do you see the picture that I saw? Our Heavenly Father is SO LIKE THAT - He desires to carry those burdens for us. He want us to let go and leave behind those things that hold us back.

It was no longer just about Savannah ... or me ... it is about us - you and I. If there is something in your life that He is asking you to let go of - LET GO!!! Let Him carry it. He is able and He wants to. Listen to those well-meaning people in your life - they love you and care about you and can see things differently than you can. Let go!

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."