A 50-lb. Bag
It was a combination of several factors: the weather, being away, but primarily, it was the condition of the soil. Last year’s garden was the worst of my “gardening days.” In talking over my problem with a real life “gardener,” he suggested some things I might try to rejuvenate my soil. To begin things, a 50-lb. bag of lime and other nutrients.
After CONSIDERING my options, I took his advice; I cleaned out the garden and tilled the soil. I picked up the 50-lb. bag and began spreading it evenly throughout the garden. While doing this I experienced the obvious, but something you don’t think of or really appreciate until you are doing it: the more I poured the bag, the lighter the bag became.
CONSIDER the spiritual growth that Jesus kept emphasizing over and over again: the more we give, the more we get. Or the more we are engaged in ministry, providing life nutrients to others so they can grow abundantly; the lighter our burdens become.
Jesus did not invite us to come and sit. He invited us to become “yoked with Him.” Nor does he say that he will give us rest for our bodies, but “rest for our souls” (our bodies will tire but our souls will be refreshed). He calls all who labor to give purpose to our work, which in Him, will lighten the load.
Jesus is saying that we have been loaded down with a 50-lb. bag of nutrients and told to “carry it.” Jesus says, “Empty it. Spread it around far and wide.” And if we do, we will not be “heavy laden” anymore.
“Come to me, all that are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Rev. Wendell Mettey
5/7/1990
Revised 3/18/2013