Weighed Down?

Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up

Proverbs 12:25

Prepare to gasp out loud...I confess I am NOT a fan of the Rolling Stones!  I know, I know, but it's the truth.  I just don't care for their music.  Although, they did release a song WAY back when music was actually recorded onto vinyl records, called "Beast of Burden."  I thought it appropriate to coincide with today's photo. And then I began thinking, which my bride tells me must be very painful for me.  

For the most part, we are all beasts of burden.  We try to carry all sorts of loads: personal relationships; family relationships; professional relationship; finances; buying food, clothing, shelter and transportation; trying to do the job to the best of our ability (and hoping someone notices); trying to make a life, help others, and move ahead, and on and on.

We struggle!  We get frustrated!  We get tired!  We get BURNED OUT!  And then we give up.  Why? Because we are trying to carry it all alone!  Worry, stress and anxiety are burdens we are not meant to carry, yet they are the ones we cling to more than any other burden.  Why is that?  I can tell you that I am guilty of that too.  I cling to these burdens because I feel if I don't do it, it won't be done and I will lose credibility.  

And guess what I'm learning?  That God didn't create just me!  God doesn't expect me to handle everything!  God doesn't want me to carry unnecessary burdens!  If God made me responsible for everything then God isn't God and doesn't love me.  But because He DOES love me, He brings people into my life that can help and that I can help.

Remember: A shared burden is half as heavy, a shared joy is twice as bright!

Don't wait until you are so frustrated that you want to throat-punch the next person who talks to you, start right now building the relationships that will help share your burdens AND your joys!