An Overloaded Wagon

Nothing is harder to bear than a burden we're not called to carry. And while there are many needs, God has not asked us to meet every one. In fact, we, like Martha, may be surprised by how little God actually requires. The day Jesus visited Martha and Mary was probably busier than usual. The Feast of the Tabernacles was near, and the house was filled with cooking and activity. So when Martha invited Jesus and his disciples to stay at her home on their way to Jerusalem, they accepted her kind hospitality. Martha continued with her expected tasks-making everything comfortable so everyone else could worship. The thought of joining Jesus never occurred to her because it simply wasn't allowed. But she loved Jesus. I think she knew she was entertaining the Messiah. And so Martha showed her devotion by giving the gift she knew best. The gift of service. But even welcome wagons can grow heavy, as Martha quickly discovered. Especially when they're laden with the extra weight of our human agendas and expectations. (From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

I don't know about you but those words hold true in my personal life. I often (everyday) carry loads that I need to place in God's caring hands. That human side of me just wants to take care of everything-knowing full well that I can't. The more you take care of somethings-the more you are expected to take care of (by those other humans around you). I am trying to learn (I'm a slow learner) which things I can handle and which I need to let someone else deal with. I know now that I'm not doing them any favors by doing everything for them. Trust me-it's a hard habit to break once started. What I have to remember is, how can they turn to God for His loving guidance if I'm carrying the load for them? One "rock" at a time!