Friday, March 7, 2014

How Much Can You Carry?


How Much Can You Carry?  

 When you are backpacking for three days or a week, you’ve got to carry everything with you.  It is important to carry only what is essential or be willing to suffer the consequences of a heavier load. 
 
I remember trailing behind a troop of Boy Scouts through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park many years ago.  The troop was about a day ahead of me when I got on the trail. As I walked along I found discarded clothing, cooking utensils, dehydrated food packets and even a pack and pack frame.  These items were not “lost”, but deliberately discarded to lighten someone’s load.  As those scouts traveled along, climbing the peaks and gaps of the Great Smoky Mountains they realized that some of the “stuff” they had packed was not essential and that they could continue the journey more easily only if they lightened the pack they were carrying.  They were learning that “packing skills” are important.  Before they began the journey they had failed to set priorities and make decisions as to what was really necessary for the trip’s survival and enjoyment.

On our daily spiritual path we need to be careful not to carry too much unnecessary baggage that can weight us down and detract us from the journey.  Cast off the guilt of past failures by asking God for forgiveness. Forgive those who have wronged you so that the burdens of hate or contempt will not drag you down.  Pray for strength and wisdom to face the challenges of each day.  God will provide you with everything you need.

If we follow the “faith trail”, God has promised that his “yoke is easy and his burden is light.”  This is the best way to equip yourself for life’s journey.   

Matthew 11:30 (Amplified Bible) 30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [a]good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Have you checked your pack lately? 

Are you carrying some stuff you ought to discard?

If you are, throw it out and lighten your load!

Now, let's ramble!

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