“The Heavy Haul”
Dear Teacher,
This past week, on a rare girls' self-care trip, my bestie from high school and I stocked up on groceries at Trader Joe's. We wandered the aisles, grabbing pre-made appetizers for snacking and breakfast items for the next morning. We relished choosing foods that we'd been craving but could not regularly eat, given our kids' pallet preference for mac 'n cheese, spaghetti, and tacos.
As we steered our cart toward the check-out, my friend pulled out a mysterious pack from her purse. She proudly announced that she had brought her "Bag-o-bags," a small satchel equipped with a carbiner. Out of the pouch, she produced reusable grocery sacks, presenting them to the cashier for use. Impressed, he loaded in our items, neatly packaging the food in each of the sacks. She then threaded each bag handle through the carabiner, making it a one-handed, one-woman haul to the car. Despite my insistence in sharing the load, she assured me that she had it under control. All I had to do was allow her do the work.
It got me thinking about the teacher-load we each carry.
You, teacher, there in your classroom, regularly shoulder the burden of student loads. You carry grade point averages, MAP testing scores, and student social success. You carry the role of nurturer to those without mothers, protector to those without fathers, and cheerleader to those without support. You shoulder managing their irritability, mentoring irrevocable trust, and making learning irresistible. Your load is heavy.
Yet, God proudly presents an alternative. He is ready to neatly package up your load, making it a one-handed haul by the One. Despite your insistence in sharing the load, He's assured you that He's got it under control. All you have to do is let Him to do the work.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls]."
~Matthew 11:28, AMPC
Still hauling multiple grocery loads,
Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor