Burden bearer? Shift the weight.

Among the attributes of God, although they are all equal, mercy shines with even more brilliancy than justice.
  – Miguel de Cervantes

In Kerala, a state in South India where Easwaran grew up, along the roadside there are stone parapets the height of a person’s head. When people need to rest from carrying heavy loads of rice or fruit on their heads, they stand next to the parapet and shift their load onto it.

The Lord  who dwells in the hearts of all is the perennial parapet, standing at exactly the right height for each one of us. For those who are very selfish, he stands very tall to support an awesome load; for those who are average in selfishness, he stands about six feet high; and for the selfless, the parapet can hardly be seen because the burden is so light that almost no support is needed. Through the practice of meditation and contemplative prayer, we can gradually learn to shift our load into the Lord’s mighty arms.

We like to think that we make big decisions and carry terrible responsibilities on our shoulders. Our shoulders are bent, our back gives us problems, and we are too tired to stand on our feet because of the mighty weight we try to bear. The constant phrase- “ Oh, I am so busy”, or “I am so tired from this busy busy day”—are all selfishly bent.

Few of us realize there is Christ Himself standing with arms outstretched, just waiting to carry our burdens. ~adapted from Eknath Easwaran

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

His promises are true. He bears our burdens.

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