It's Time to Get in the Stroller

Thought for the Day:  Psalm 55:22 (NIV). Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.  Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
 
     Walking on the trail this morning I came to one of our overpasses where a mother, grandmother and a little girl approximately two years old caught my eye.   The little girl’s mode of transportation, a stroller, was positioned in front of them, empty.  I assume the little one wanted to walk and not be confined to a stroller or perhaps her mother’s or grandmother’s pace.  She decided instead to walk.  Nearing the three of them, I noticed the little girl sitting in the middle of the overpass, seemingly very comfortable and not desiring to move.  Mom was trying to give reasons she needed to hop back into the stroller, but as I passed them I commented to the adults, “Some days I feel exactly the same!” 
     Today was one of those times when I honestly asked if God would send me an angel.  Maybe I’ve been watching too many Hallmark movies of Angel Falls, but I would readily have quite a conversation with an angelic messenger from God.  Instead, God decided to send me a message by way of a little girl and her stroller.
     You see, there are many instances where I figure I can do all the walking on my own.  After all, I’m a Christian; I’ve been given spiritual upbringing which  taught me how to pray, study, write and even speak about issues of faith.  Walking in the faith is a breeze!  But times of slowing my pace due to burdens appears to be increasing; personal issues I can’t grasp or understand, diagnoses I’m scared of returning, friends that are going through dire experiences with cancer or awaiting results to see if cancer has returned, and those whose “normal” has completely been uprooted through the death of a loved one or spouse.  Not to mention all the unrest in the country; dissension, protesting and pandemic that has the entire world fearing to step outside their doors.
     I, too, want to sit down in the middle of the road and just not move.  Life has become a heavy backpack that I simply can’t carry anymore.  Actually, as I began to think about this little girl and her empty stroller, I remembered the scripture I referenced in the Thought for the Day, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  Jesus has asked us to give all the cares and concerns to him because “if it’s not light, it’s not right” for us to handle.  We need to leave all the issues of anxiety, confusion, disease, and death with the only One who can fill us with peace.  “For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
     When will the rest come?  When will peace be found?  Well, I certainly can’t give an answer, but I do know we were not made to stay on this earth permanently.  What we encounter this side of heaven will one day dissipate.  We were made to live eternally with our Creator God and until He returns we need to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  And when that’s not possible, get in the stroller and let God take the lead directing your moments until He calls you home.  Stop fighting His Will and just surrender yours.
 
Although, Lord, I asked for an angel today, you sent me a message through a little girl and her empty stroller.  Jesus, I give you the lead and ask that you protect, watch over and bless all those I care for, love and pray for multiple times each day.  May we come to know you as Lord before breath leaves these earthly bodies.  In whose name I pray, Amen!

---