October 2, 2026
My heart has been heavy and my emotions high the last few weeks. Lots of things have been going on in my life and mind that, unfortunately, I sometimes have a hard time trying to figure out.
I read a quote this week that said: “Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.” This really spoke to my heart.
The Lord used that quote to bring people to my mind who are carrying VERY heavy loads. I thought about a friend at work whose parents have been very ill. For the last several months I don’t think there was a day that he was not at a hospital or a home taking care of one of his parents.
His parents are weak, frail, sometimes confused and dealing with many health issues. My friend has been sleep deprived and exhausted but he has continued to do the right things. He has continued to serve the Lord and take care of his parents.
Last week his mom passed away. The funeral was Sunday. On Monday, my friend left on a planned mission trip. He said he considered staying home but knew his mom’s heart would want him to go. I’m sure he is sad and hasn’t even had time to process all or even part of his grief – but he went on the mission trip. He can go because he knows he is doing what Jesus has called him to do.
I thought about my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They lost their son in January. He was only 38 years old. I cannot even imagine the pain and grief they are feeling. I’m sure their load is very heavy and at times they want to give up. But they won’t. They have their grandson to take care of who is only 9. They are hurting, sad, and heartbroken and each step in life is hard to take – but they will keep walking. I know it’s because they know Jesus and they are doing what HE has called them to do.
I think about these people and know their loads are heavy, but they are all carrying them with the strength of the Lord.
If I am being honest with you, I will have to admit I have had a mini pity party the last week or so. I have not been quite as gracious in carrying my load. I am tired, stressed, have hurt feelings, and have just felt sorry for myself.
Isn’t it just like the Lord to first of all let me see this particular quote, let it speak to my heart, and then bring reminders of people who are in much tougher situations than I am? I know that each of us have “loads” that we have to carry. Some are heavier than others, but honestly I do think we all just have to be reminded of Jesus.
The Word of God says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).
Basically He is saying come to me. I can help you. Learn from me. I can show me how to handle things, and take MY yoke which is much easier to handle. Why, oh, why would we want to choose to do anything different? If I get my eyes off of myself and what I’m carrying and put my eyes on Jesus my load instantly becomes lighter.
When my load is lighter, things become easier to carry, which in turn allows me to open my eyes to see opportunities to help others.
I cannot necessarily physically help to carry their load, but certainly I can be the prayer warrior who is praying for strength, endurance, and peace as they are carrying their load.
My friend, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are all dealing with caregiving in their lives. If you look up the definition of caregiver, you find it is a person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves such as children, the elderly, patients who have an illness, or people who are disabled.
At some point in our lives, we are all caregivers, whether it is to a parent, a friend, a child, or a spouse. Our example is Jesus, the ultimate caregiver. He is the One who sets the example and the only One who can help us be the best caregiver we can be.
I read an article that listed the best traits of a wonderful caregiver. It listed patience, compassion, attentiveness, dependability, and trustworthiness. It struck me that those are some of the same qualities that are found in the fruit of the Spirit. I’m sure that is no coincidence. Both my friend, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are exhibiting all these traits and MORE.
I’m sure you, like me, want to focus on others and not just our own problems. Wouldn’t our world be a much better place if we mentally remembered the Matthew 11:28-30 scripture?
As Christians, just like Jesus is saying “come” to me, we should be available for others who have heavy loads. We should point others to Jesus to “learn” from Him how to handle those heavy loads, and then we all should make a habit of “taking” HIS yoke, which is so much easier to handle.
In one of my favorite hymns, Precious Lord Take My Hand, the lyrics call out to the Lord for guidance and strength through difficult times. Again, we all have difficult times, and leaning on Jesus in such times is crucial.
We should all rely on Jesus’ strength and not our own. And, if you see you see me walking around with Post-It notes that say “come,” “learn,” and “take,” you’ll know I’m just reminding myself to go to the ultimate caregiver who can carry any load – Jesus.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, Precious Lord,
lead me home.
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Jill Johnson, a staff member at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother and Georgian. She is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
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