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If you missed it, be sure to read An Overloaded Wagon Part 1 and Part 2.
I read the story and felt like I could relate in every way. I am “the man with the wagon.” I constantly take on burdens I am not called to bear. The interesting thing God taught me through this story is that it isn’t always because anyone asked me to carry the burden. Sometimes it is just because, in my vanity I feel like I am the only person fit for the job. As if God actually needed me! That knocked me down to my knees. Whew…
But in all seriousness, I think in some way we all pick up things God didn’t mean for us to, but usually in an effort to do “good.” And in that, we often feel like the burden is just too heavy. Not only do I refuse to ask for help, but I just keep piling it on thinking that if I can check off more “good work” I have done, it will make me feel more accomplished.
This was a very freeing reminder to me that just because it is “good” doesn’t mean that I am supposed to be the one to do it. As I read this book, I feel God reminding me that I worry about too many things and the most important thing I need to “do” is spend time with Him. Because, once I do that, all the other “things” will fall into place right where He wants them!
What did you think of the story? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. If you have read the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver, tell me what you think and what you enjoyed most.
I read part one of the overleaded wagon and just when I really got into and wanted to read part 2, the link is not working. Please help. I would like to finish it. Thank you, Have a blessed day
Mindi – So sorry! here it is https://faithfulprovisions.com/2011/03/25/an-overloaded-wagon-part-2/ Part 2!
Ooops! Here is the link to Part 2, so sorry! https://faithfulprovisions.com/2011/03/25/an-overloaded-wagon-part-2/
i dont know how i feel about this story. there is certainly some truth to it. i know we always have to intentionally keep His will first, that is not in question! but everyone has heard of the Good Samaritan. The way we lighten the loads of others is to take on some of their burdens. i think that is how God makes our burdens lite……..others helping others. i could never pass up a friend, or stranger, in need…..but ONLY when he benefits. if my helping will hinder his growth, then i just pray for him. i sound as thought i am perfect in my stewardship….i am so sorry if it sounds that way, i am not and i fail the lord every day, but what i wrote above is what i STRIVE for.
above is the wrong website….maybe this one will be right?
Erin, what is the wrong website? What link are you looking for?
It gets easier to say no and just not worry about everything being perfect as you get older. I was thinking about that today as I was setting the table for our youngest child’s 20th birthday dinner this everning. The cloth birthday napkins looked kind of rumpled and I thought to myself that 10 years ago I would gotten out the ironing board and ironed them all. Now I know I would rather have some energy left for people tonight than have perfect napkins which nobody but me would have noticed anyway.
I should not have ben written that wrong web comment b/c now I see that was confusing but I wrote it b/c when you leave a comment it asks for your website. Well when you click on my name to the first post it takes u to the wrong website…nothing to do with the subject at hand. Sorry for confusing!
Kelly, I am so glad you shared this post! I am a huge fan of yours and you’ve taught me so much, which I am trying to turn around and teach those people who are in my circle of influence. I have three small children and a husband and am considering homeschooling. I have prayed and prayed about it and have felt like God is telling me that I am to do His work in taking care of my children and family first before I take care of everyone else’s “needs”. He can meet those needs and I don’t need to! This story was a great reminder to me that God has given us tasks and we are to do those and not feel the need to be everything everyone else wants us to be or do what everyone else needs us to do! Thanks for all you do and thanks for sharing this story!