On two earlier occasions, my husband and I had stayed at the same hotel after driving to visit relatives. This time, we opted for travelling by train. From the Amtrak station, we rode on the light rail system to a station within a short walk to the hotel. We are into our 80s, and we each had a backpack and a tote bag to manage as we trudged slowly uphill to the hotel in the cold wind. By the time we reached the lobby of the hotel, we had to catch our breath as we removed the heavy packs, which seemed to have increased in weight the last few steps.

When we were ready to check out at the end of our stay, a hotel employee approached us. He greeted us, and noting our bags, determined that we were checking out and asked where we were going. When we indicated the light rail station, he said, “Do you want a ride? I can take you.” We responded with surprise and doubt, wondering if he was authorized to do that. It turned out that indeed there was a free shuttle! He helped us with our bags, quickly drove us right to the door of the light rail station, unloaded our bags, and wished us a safe trip home. We felt thankful for his assistance and care as we began our trip back home.

This experience reminded me of the times when I assumed that I had to carry my own weighty bags up life’s hill instead of depending on God for His help in carrying my burdens. What an embarrassing reminder of all the times when I’ve rushed ahead in my own foolish assumptions when facing a difficulty or problem, and failed to remember our loving heavenly Father and His love for me, His child.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens.”

(Psalm 68:19 NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

(1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we ask forgiveness for running ahead in our own ways, assuming that we need to do things in our own strength rather than remembering that we can ask You for wisdom and support in all things. Help us to remember Your awesome power and care for both the big and the small things in our lives. Help us to remember that You stand ready to hear and answer Your children when we come to You. Amen.

Copyright © 2022, by Sharon Lundquist <lundquistsharon4@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Beaverton, Oregon, USA

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission