Unnecessary Burdens
By: Maxine M.

School soon will be starting a brand new academic year
Children will go to bed early so they can rise with minds bright & clear
Breakfast will energize so they can strap on that new “back pack”…its weight is severe

Containing books, lunch & all the supplies NEEDED for the day to be in “learning” mode
We’ve all seen them STRUGGLING under this heavy load
And we wonder, will this daily PRESSURE cause “problems” down the road?!

Now, as a child of our Heavenly Father, we start our day in devotion & prayer
Knowing for whatever lies in store today, we need to prepare
But do we ALSO pick up “yesterdays” back pack of heavy burdens to wear?

Our shoulders are bowed beneath this baggage we’ve unwittingly amassed
We pack it full of fears, disappointments, guilt from our mistakes of the past
We find room for resentment & bitterness from hurt others have, on us, cast

We squeeze in insecurities, depression, anger, even a grudge or two
Some old sorrow that should have worn out long ago…to name a few
Our frail & fragile spirit CAN be broken under this load…certainly a backache is due

Is it any wonder we’re weary when the day finally ends
Tomorrow we’ll pick up the burden again, before our spirit mends
And like our children, we simply carry on these burdensome trends

But as parents we need to occasionally take inventory…into that back pack take a peek
“Johnny!! For Heaven’s sake, this folder of homework was due last week
How long has this apple been in here? Now the whole thing reeks”

“Here are 2 books due back at the library…and what’s this ROCK I just found?
Is it really necessary to pick up everything you find lying on the ground?
No wonder your back hurts carrying all this STUFF around!”

Now, if WE listen close to what the Father’s voice has to say
We’ll hear “My child, WHY are YOU still carrying that guilt I forgave yesterday?”
Those problems, troubles & stress you promised at MY feet you’d lay

Give up that grief…I sent it to fulfill a purpose you couldn’t have foreseen
What you thought was failure, was MY tool to show you I hold you in high esteem
And make you realize your dependency on ME to accomplish your dream

Those rocks of regret & darts of doubt aren’t needed…just completely throw them away
That shame & remorse you carry…by My blood, their price I did pay
So they belong to ME, they are unnecessary burdens you bear day after day

Any heavy deep-seated anger…simply release it and let it go
Apprehension and worry…all these are what have brought your shoulders low
When all you NEED to carry are the promises of Salvation I bestow

I can EASILY help you ALLEVIATE all this cumbersome weight
I’ll lighten your load, let you once again stand tall and straight
Let Me fill that back pack with joy & gladness…put new lightness in your gait

Come unto Me all you who labor & are heavy ladened…I’ll give you REST
For MY yolk is easy and MY burden is light…trust Me, I know BEST
And in TRUSTING, you’ll be able to meet life’s troublesome test

So make sure your child only carries what’s NECESSARY for the day
Necessary for LEARNING…not just all those “electronics” they love to play
As for us…our Father’s command to cast ALL cares onto Him, let us really OBEY

For your steps will be lighter when unnecessary burdens finally depart
The sun will seem brighter, life sweeter…no longer doleful & tart
The Savior’s embrace tighter…because you’re FREE to love Him with ALL your heart