This look is usually reserved for me for when I have transgressed in some way but on this occasion her concern had nothing to do with me.
She had been out in our garden looking at our apple tree, and she had discovered that on the leaves, there was a proliferation of what can only be described as ugly-looking black and orange bugs about half a centimetre long.
She was worried that they might have been pests of some kind, so she took some photos, and we straight away went to the encyclopaedia that is Google.
Much to our relief, we discovered that the insects in question were actually ladybird larvae and would, in time, turn into harlequin ladybirds.
Far from being pests, these ladybirds actually help to control other garden nuisances such as greenfly and other aphids.
Armed with this knowledge, our relief was palpable.
Dale Carnegie, the American writer and corporate training teacher, said of feeling relieved: “Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”
Very profound.
Many of us of a certain age will remember the song by the Hollies, He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.
The song reminds us that when we love or care deeply for someone, any burden, duty, or hardship we bear for them feels light and effortless.
I would venture that all of us at one time or another are wearied and burdened by the stresses of life.
Financial worries, health worries, worries about all we see on the news, the list goes on.
In the Old Testament and Psalm 55: 22, we read: “Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.” (GNT).
Jesus tells us in his own words in Matthew 11 and verse 28 to: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Modern life is absolutely full of things that burden us and weigh us down, but these words of Jesus remind us that in him, we have someone who will share that burden and when we need it most, and carry it for us.
What about sharing your burden with Jesus today?
It will be the best thing you can do.
Simon
