A friend posted on Facebook that a store clerk offered to carry her single loaf of bread to the car. Was he trying to get a tip? I was skeptical, but apparently he genuinely wanted to help.
And it occurred to me: if this young man’s heart was tender enough to want to carry a loaf of bread for a stranger, how much more- and heavier things does God want to carry for us? Cares, anxieties, fears.. the stuff that keeps me up at night or makes me want to quit..
Few things bother me more than seeing my kids frustrated or stressed. ‘I wanted to wear the other shirt!’ ..’ I can’t get this shoe on!’.. ‘I spelled it wrong!’… ‘I don’t want to wash my hands–Ever!’ Honestly, I want my kids carefree and not troubled by “troubles” in life. And I wonder, doesn’t God want the same for us?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer (prayer = simply talking to/with God, whenever, wherever, no formulas or rosaries.. ) … let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
This is a call to care/anxiety-free living, but do I live it? How does God feel 
watching me wrestle with my thoughts, overprocessing, overanalyzing, cares in heart and head, personal hijacking, and despair. There’s nothing in life too big or complex for God to handle, but do I let Him?
At sea, servicemen take 4hr shifts keeping night watch. Just before a duty is complete, a fellow sailor approaches and address with salute, saying, “I assume the duty. You stand relieved.” This is a special moment that means Real Rest is coming. I’m learning to hear God come alongside saying the same: “Jasmine, you stand relieved,” and I can sleep in peace–but I can be awake that way too.
Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” (John 5:17)
God is not taking breaks. He’s not sleeping below deck leaving us to man the ship. He is somehow, supernaturally, carrying all this dark mess we live in and actively working it to good and an End. Like when I bake cookies—flour, salt, baking powder, egg, butter sugar….on their own not so tasty, but mix it up, in the oven, and Bam, Goodness!
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
My 2 yr daughter came up the stairs with a broom the other day. She tried to go back down but that was too dangerous. I wanted to take it 
but she refused so ultimately I carried her while she held the broom.
I’m convinced this is what God does for us. He wants to take all our burdens, He wants to protect us from worry, and if there is something we need to “carry,” He will carry us as we do it. How could He not? He’s the Real Parent.
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
This is Day 19 of the “Wild Kids, Wild God – 31 Days looking at God’s Heart” Series.
*Please note, I use He and His as pronouns for God, but fully recognize God with both Male and Female ‘identity’–for lack of a better word–, as evidenced by the human race and through the Bible (yes, post coming..).
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Great Word I really need to read. Thank You!