The Peak of Inspiration

…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.  2 Timothy 1:12

Yesterday we went on an outing.  This outing consisted of traveling 4 hours to Denver with our youth group for their annual Christmas activity.  Our first stop was at the Denver Rescue Mission.   Like many other rescue missions, this one provides meals and night lodging for the homeless in the area. Denver being a large city, and December being a winter month, there were quite a number of men in line for the noon meal and to sign up for that night’s accommodations.

While observing the crowd, one thing immediately drew my attention.  Everyone was carrying something.  Some much more than others.  In many, or perhaps most, cases, they were holding onto all their earthly possessions.  Their life, everything they worked and cared for, had been condensed by circumstances to a bundle that they could wrap their arms around.  Some of their possessions were valuable.  Things it seemed like they could use.  Some of it appeared completely useless.  A thin stick, a chunk of cardboard.  But it was something they could call their own.

Our group arranged ourselves against the far wall to sing some carols as they enjoyed their meal.  My senses being taken over by what was happening in the dining room, it took a minute for me to realize what was directly behind me, in between us and the wall.  Lockers.  Quite a number of new, shiny, clean lockers.  After another minute of observation, and being able to look through a section of expanded metal on each locker door, I was a little taken aback to see that they were all empty.  Every single one of them. 

There was quite likely a very good reason all those lockers were empty.  But nevertheless, the contrast was striking.  Everywhere, burdens being carried.  Burdens being protected from by sitters.  Burdens being stuffed and squeezed under tables.  Carts full of burdens being pushed in front, the owner always present to guard and protect a pile of soiled, worn out miscellaneous. 

And all the while, just a few steps away, were the lockers.  Empty, clean, secure.  Waiting and available.  A place to put the load, to lay down the burden.  

And in that moment, I caught a glimpse of the human race.  Of the burdens we carry.  Of the things we refuse to let go of.  The things that weigh us down.  The things, soiled and useless, that we insist on taking with us.  Those things that we protect with our life.  That we can’t trust to another.

I also caught a glimpse of the place where we can let go.  A place, available and secure, where we can unload the things we carry and walk away free.  Where we can drop our bags, straighten our shoulders, lighten our step and walk toward, and enjoy, the provisions he has waiting for us.  Where we can sit down, now unencumbered with the responsibility of carrying and protecting our worthless bundle, and fully enjoy each blessing he has placed on our table. 

I hope that today I can remember that.  And I hope you can too.  There is no denying the fact that we accumulate things.  Things that can sit heavy on our shoulders.  These burdens will come.  The curse promises as much.  Hurts and offenses. Circumstances and accidents.  Grief and pain at every level and to every degree. 

But there is a place we can take this load.  A door we can open, throw our load inside and commit it to the keeping of the Burden Bearer.  Knowing that he will do with it as he sees best.

And then, we can turn around.  Free and light.  Absent the burden. 

And I do believe in doing this, we will find a home.  I believe the Lord will give us a place.  The curse of homelessness will not follow us there.  It’s a heavenly spot.  A place at the table of grace.  Where you can listen to the singing and taste, really taste, the bounties before you. 

Let’s go there.  And make it our home.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.  Psalm 55:22