It was just me and the girls tonight -the boys were at wrestling. I had one of those days that led me feeling “I just had to get out of the house”. I packed everyone up- including the dog- and went for a drive (yes-I do that too). It was already dark and the rain was coming down and I was thinking of what to pick up for dinner (It’s Friday). I pulled into KFC and ordered grilled chicken, green beans and a salad…looked back, and everyone was asleep.
Ahhhhh…… “Lord, I will not pass this time up with you”, I said to myself.
I got my order, pulled into a parking spot, turned on my favorite CD and began to pray. It was the most beautiful moment of my day- A day of potty training a puppy… a trip to stat care with my little girl.. children arguing, a day of cleaning, making them mind, this annoying cough, nodding off, trying…really trying -girls, you know the drill-I know you do.
At this moment of my day, I wrapped everything up and presented it to my Father…”Take this burden Lord and make it whatever it is meant to be- for your Glory”.
As I was praying this song started to play-with my head back and my eyes shut I felt it was just meant for me to listen to it and be still….
The chorus sang to me~
“Well, I’ve carried this a long time
in a well hidden bundle on my back
but I’ve realized forgiveness is weightless
so I’ll leave my burden on the tracks”
and I thought to myself…what a beautiful thing to hear right before the new year- not only that, but what a beautiful thing to share with others before the new year.
A well-hidden bundle on my back. Isn’t that the truth? Don’t we all have a little bundle that we place on our backs..that bundle that hangs out in the shadows of our smiles, that bundle that keeps us from freedom, and from God’s best in our lives? Even as Christians we tend to get attached to that bundle…we give it to Him-then we put it back on. Why…oh why do we do this? Why do I do this?
Then more of the song…
And then I face the yesterdays that disappointed
misunderstood by a cruel world
and I’m angry…
Ugh. yes…have you ever felt this way? I sure have.
You might suppose
the years would close the curtains on a scene
from such a time
but this was mine
to harbor
Why do we harbor? WHY do we make the choice to live things over again in our lives instead of giving it to God? Haven’t those thoughts toyed with us enough? We learn in Philipians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. We know this…but knowing this and doing this are two different matters.
Oh Lord, I am just so sorry that I know this and don’t DO this!
Girlfriends..my prayer for us this New Years is that we leave our burdens on the tracks. Whatever we’ve done, whatever has been done to us, whatever we think we can’t do…let’s leave it in 2011 and let God have it…
Lord, let us have a “Weightless New Year”…I know You will if we give it to You.
Happy New Year my Friends.
I needed this! It’s so hard to just let things go, yet it’s so much better when we do….like you said, why do we hold on when we know relief is so easy to attain? Great, timely post….thank you! Here’s to a ‘weightless’ 2012 for all of us 🙂
Great reminder! I want to be light and forgiveness is definitely a way to feeling lighter! Thank you for writing your personal journey and experience. Happy New Year to you & yours.
What a beautiful post. This has been a very hard year for my family. I lost 2 brothers 1 day apart very suddenly (48 & 55) in April & each day I work with acceptance & not focus so much on why this tragedy happened & what else is going to happen. I’ve worried so much that the anxiety over their deaths impacted & consumed much of me. Prayer & family is the only thing that’s getting me through…one day at a time & reminding myself as you posted “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. Prayer is the answer…just sitting in silence and talking to God & feeling his presence. When I do this I also feel the presence of my 2 brothers and my father who passed away 25 years ago & I’m reminded that they’re at peace, so it’s time for me to work towards that same internal peace in my daily life.
I am so sorry to hear that Julie and I know how you feel. God does not want us to be afraid or worry, but to trust in him and his plan. Praying for peace…love to you and happy new year, Janelle
Thank you! Happy New Year to you too: )
Thank you for this. I always enjoy reading your blog. Best wishes for the New Year!
Thank you for this beautiful post! Happy New Year to you and your family! 🙂
Wow – this really encouraged me today – thank you Nelle for your honesty!!! Having friends like you sure does help me on this burdened journey! I lift my glass to a weightless year – chink!
Love ya,
Courtney
Chink back at cha!! Love you too Girlie!