RELEASE THE BURDEN

Read Art Murray’s poem, “Happiness’ Door.” Keep this in mind each day you live; Joy isn’t getting. You must give and give. Give all you can. Then give more. Living means giving. There’s no other door.

We are all sinners. I am no exception as much as I would have liked that not to be the case. For many years, I carried the weight of my sins around with me like a ball and chain. It carried over to my family and work, affecting my ability to find peace and happiness. This had a name called guilt. It always seemed to interfere with the elusive happiness that I sought. It could be painful and embarrassing.

This went on for many years, and it did not get any better or easier. Those few times when I would actually allow myself to be alone and reflect on my life, I knew exactly what the problem was: the burden of my sins. I realized that I did not have the strength to carry the burden of my sins. I needed to ask forgiveness through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It was just as the Bible promised. Once I let Jesus into my life, a great weight was lifted from my heart. He was there all the time, but I did not choose to seek him out.

I know that I am loved and that Jesus wants to have communication with me. Now I leave the driving to Jesus, and I feel pretty good about this.

— Patty Icke

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist