I caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye and then quickly turned my whole body in back of the cramped car to gawk at the full view. We were outside of Kathmandu, Nepal and though she looked to be about 80, I supposed she was much younger. She was bent nearly in half, walking at a guarded pace with a stack of bricks half her height strapped haphazardly to her back.

Like a pack animal she carried loads like this several times a day from the kilns in the countryside to the vendors in the city. I wondered if at the end of the day she was even able to stand erect.

I think of that scene often when the burden of caring for Douglas seems crushing. I wonder if I can haul myself through another day of uncertainties, fears and confusion. And I wonder if, even when the load is lifted, I will be able to stand up straight again.

It is then I hear the invitation of Jesus to come to Him and find rest. He promises to give reprieve from my encumbered journey with the ease of His attentive love. He offers to replace my load with His grace. He assures me that if I will let Him walk alongside, He will carry the weight and guide me on a better way.

And so through prayer, I hand Him my troubles brick by brick. With each prayer I find the burden lifting a bit. By the time all has been transferred to His capable arms I am standing before Him, upright in thanksgiving and uplifted through praise.

“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