A long-ago legend has it that, there once lived a man of towering
Strength, a giant of a man. He was a pagan whose strength perhaps led
Him to believe that he needed no higher power.
He made his living by carrying travelers across a broad river. One day
A beautiful child came to the bank of the river. As the man bent down
To allow the child to climb upon his back, the young lad said, "Are
You sure you can bear my weight?"
The man laughed. "Why, I've carried full-grown men across the river.
You, my little one, will be lighter than a pebble."
"Very well," said the boy. "But I must warn you. I am heavier than I
Look."
With a grin, the man raised the child upon his massive shoulders and
Stepped out into the swirling water. But the weight on his back grew
Strangely heavy. Soon the brawny giant was struggling not to sink.With
Superhuman effort he crawled up onto the opposite bank of the river
And let the child down.
"How can you be so heavy?" the perplexed man asked. "Who are you?"
"I am Jesus of Nazareth," replied the boy. "And I carry the burdens of
The world on my shoulders. Let me carry yours too."
And so it was that Christopher, today known as St. Christopher, was
Converted to Christianity. The story reminds me that I don't need to
Struggle across each day on my own. There is One stronger than I. He
Is the Great Burden-bearer. He even carries St. Christopher, yet on
His shoulders there is always room for one more.
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry
Heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28 NLT)
"Lord, thank you for inviting me to come to you, especially when life
Is getting too difficult for me. I find comfort and peace in knowing
That you are going to help me get across my river of difficulties if I
Just rest on Your shoulders. Remind me always of my limitations so
That day by day I will remember that without you I can do nothing.
Lord Jesus, please lift me up and carry me through this day."
~~Unknown
