Loads

A couple of years ago, we spent some time with friends in Peru. One of the really interesting things we saw in the markets were beautiful blankets woven in vibrant colors by Quechuan weavers. What was even more interesting was how the Quechuan used the blankets to secure loads to their backs to carry over mountain trails – everything from babies to laundry to wood to potatoes. Some of these loads were stupendous in size.

This week, a devotional I was reading spoke to how we all have bags or luggage we travel life with, that we all pack our lives differently. We all carry and/or hoard different kinds of things but we are all weighed down. When I thought about this initially, my picture was of a nice, convenient suitcase with roller wheels. One I can zip through the airport of life. Over the years I have both literally and figuratively lightened my load; most trips today I take only a backpack.

Reality? While the bag I take when I travel to Baltimore or Zion National Park or wherever is comparatively light compared to how I used to pack, the life bags I carry around are much more like the Quechuan method of transport. They conceal a heavy load of dirty potatoes or sticks in a gorgeous covering that is tied close on my body and that diverts my attention and strength from God’s best for me.

Jesus invites me to accept His rest, to remember His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). I imagine it is also beautiful.