Guys. My purse felt heavy so I started digging into the bottom of it only to find A BAG OF ROCKS I have been carrying around for probably weeks at this point. A BAG OF ROCKS. No wonder I am currently nursing a stiff neck. I'm so annoyed with myself - of course my purse felt heavy. Why didn't I notice sooner?
Now I know why when Jesus said, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free", his disciples had all kinds of questions and needed a bunch of clarification. It must be really hard for us to welcome freedom. To accept lightness. We go around carrying rocks in our bags when we don't have to. So Jesus clarifies and says,
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
You are invited to dig into the bottom of your bag.
Spend a moment identifying the rocks.
Extract the rocks.
Leave them behind.
Skip, gallop, hop along on your way, because freedom is for you, my friend.
This reminds me of a meme I saw recently that has become my mantra: "Pick your battles. Nope, that's too many battles. Put some back. Pick fewer battles." Sometimes we are trying to do and be too much and fight too hard. Sometimes we just need to fall back on Grace.
Yes, it is so hard to leave all the heavy stuff behind. But so good when we surrender. So much more energy, productivity, and joy on the journey!