I slide down into the warm water slowly, deliberately breathing in the steam that is beginning to rise.
I allow only my fingertips to move, gently dancing across the water.
This soak is not for cleaning nor for pleasure.
It is for purpose.
My heart has been heavy with burdens.
Burdens I was never intended to carry and I know the weight is too much to bear any longer.
I must let them go.
It's never an easy process though is it - this business of letting go.
Burdens I was never intended to carry and I know the weight is too much to bear any longer.
I must let them go.
It's never an easy process though is it - this business of letting go.
Breathing in, breathing out, a steady rhythm as I close my eyes to avoid any distraction that may interrupt.
I tell God I am ready.
Ready to acknowledge that it is Him on the Throne and not me.
Ready to take off the heavy pack I have been wearing and all the contents inside.
Ready to lay my burdens down.
Ready for the peace this laying down will bring.
One by one, burden by burden, I place each at the foot of the Cross.
It is here I will leave them all.
I pray I don't return to retrieve any.
It is here I will leave them all.
I pray I don't return to retrieve any.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
Rest and peace and praise.
I soak in the rest. I soak in the peace. I whisper the praise.
And as the water drains I am whole.
I am free.
