Carrying My Children‘s Rocks

I remember my kids giving me things to hold for them when they were little–among them, rocks in my pockets. 

They would find little rocks they thought were special. Whenever I unloaded the rocks in my pockets and the other treasures they’d entrusted to me, I smiled. These provided little glimpses into their hearts, things I got to carry to make their life more joyful or the journey less of a struggle for them.  

Responsibilities

As they got older though, I encouraged them to carry their own things. I wanted them to learn responsibility. What they gathered was theirs to look after.

As we go through life, we often carry over that sense of learned responsibility into our relationship with God. But often when we carry things–physical, spiritual, or emotional–we somehow feel it’s ours alone to carry. We forget God is available to hold those cares for us.

Rocks in My Pockets

Imagine carrying each care as a rock in our pocket. At first, the change is unnoticeable, but with each new rock we add, we take on additional lump and weight. Soon, our pockets bulge, our pants sag, and we must pull the waistband up now and then.

These little weights amass until it becomes obvious we have a load. No one can see what we carry, but our heaviness shows. The unnatural shaping, the awkward bulging, and our stride tells the tale.

Cares

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.

~Psalm 55:22a ESV

Only we know the name of each rock. Child, marriage, finances, future, loneliness, rejection, appearance, age, family, friends, or successes. Each rock weighs on us. The more we accumulate, whether tangible or intangible, the more these cares unknowingly weigh us down.

We may awake and say, “Today will be different.” We won’t let these things weigh us down or limit us, but little by little, the thoughts come in, and the responsibilities encumber us. Since the rocks begin one at a time, we think, “It’s no big deal. It’s not even that heavy. I’m fine.” Then, they add up.

The Rock Carrier

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.

~Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Wouldn’t it be great if we could picture God as the loving parent who enjoys us and wants us to let Him hold these cares for us? Putting our load of treasures, belongings, and burdens into God’s pocket doesn’t mean we are irresponsible. Rather, this provides a way to lean on His love, know He enjoys helping us, and find rest as we walk with Him. We may be grown, but He still wants us to load His pockets with our cares.

What are some ways you cast your cares and weights on the Lord? 

Father God, it’s easy to feel as if it’s all my responsibility to carry my cares the best I can. But I choose to turn them over to You, my loving parent. Carry the cares that have accumulated in my life, and speak peace into my mind through Your Word. Thank You that I can lean on You and spend time in Your presence. Teach me Your ways. Thank you that Your load is easy and Your burden is light. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Rocks in My Pockets: Kristi LaRee: All Rights Reserved