Baggage Claim

For years, I carried weight that wasn’t mine. If someone had a good day, I took credit. If they exploded, I took the blame. If there was tension in my house, I thought it was because of me. That false responsibility followed me into adulthood like an overstuffed suitcase.

Some of what you’re carrying isn’t yours either: guilt handed to you by someone else, expectations you never agreed to, criticism that didn’t tell the whole story.

Jesus’ invitation is simple and strong: “Come to Me.” Not “hustle harder.” Not “earn your rest.” Bring the heavy things to the only shoulders built to hold them. We have the opportunity to lay each problem that we can’t fix at the foot of the cross.

Try this practice: write each burden on a small piece of paper. Pray over them. Then, one by one, say, “I cast this on You,” and place them in a box, or better yet, watch them turn to ash. When you’re tempted to grab them again, or your mind races back to something you can't change or control, choose rest as an act of trust—take a walk, breathe, worship, call a safe friend. Remind yourself that you’ve already laid it down at his feet.

Lying it down isn’t passivity; it’s partnership. You’ll still show up, make calls, and have hard conversations. You just won’t drag a suitcase of shame into every room, every relationship, and every opportunity anymore.

Jesus is gentle and humble in heart. With Him, you’ll find rest for your soul—and freedom in your hands, and let me tell you something, there’s nothing more freeing than the moment you feel free from the heavy lifting. You feel as light as a feather. It’s absolutely liberating.

What’s one burden you’ll physically “hand off” to Jesus today (by writing it down and placing it somewhere) and what restful action will you take afterward?