A Heavy Burden
A HEAVY BURDEN
Read Philippians 4:6-7.
“Mom, I wish Dad still lived here,” said Kyle as he finished getting ready for school. “If I had just behaved better, maybe he wouldn’t have left.”
“Honey, Dad’s leaving had nothing to do with you. He loves you as much as ever,” Mom said patiently, putting an arm around Kyle. She and Dad had told Kyle this many times. He wanted to believe them, but he just couldn’t.
Thoughts of his dad often popped up at school between the sentences Kyle was reading. He finally got his mind off his problems when his teacher showed the class an interesting book on space travel. And he was thrilled when she said he could take it home for the evening.
Kyle tucked the heavy book under his arm and began walking home. As he walked, the book seemed to grow heavier and heavier. By the time he reached home, his arm ached.
Mom met him at the end of the driveway. “That book looks heavy,” she said. “Let me help you.” She reached down and took it. “Guilty feelings can also be heavy to carry,” she continued. “The feeling that Dad left because of you is a burden too heavy for you to carry.”
“I wish I didn’t have that feeling,” Kyle said. “It hurts.”
“Yes, just like your arm hurts from carrying the book. Wouldn’t you like Jesus to carry the burden for you?” Kyle nodded, and together they asked Jesus to carry Kyle’s heavy burden.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a burden too heavy for you? If your parents are separated or divorced, do you wonder if it’s your fault? Or perhaps secret worries about school or friends constantly fill your mind. It’s important to talk about heavy burdens to an adult who can help you turn them over to Jesus.
TO MEMORIZE:
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
GIVE YOUR BURDENS TO JESUS.
From the book
