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“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

It took all my concentration to balance the oranges in my arms. However, it was only a short while before the motion of my steps caused the familiar shifting in my load.

“Oh no!” This time I lost them all.

“There are too many to carry!” I cried as I watched the oranges scatter across the stones and into the grassy ditch.

Discouragement dissolved my energy, but resolutely I picked them up, mumbling, “I will not lose them.” My oranges precariously repositioned in my arms, I faltered on my way.

And there were more! I picked up another orange lying on the ground, and with great effort, added it to my load.

It was then I noticed my Friend walking just ahead. A large basket swung from his hand. Somehow I felt he had been there all along.  I hadn’t noticed because I could hardly glance up from my oranges, for fear they would escape my arms.

As though he felt my glance, he turned with a smile, and extended his arm. “I will carry your oranges for you,” he offered.

“N-no. I don’t think so. Thank you.” I looked into the basket held close to me, longing to drop the oranges into its beckoning depths but somehow I didn’t dare. I wouldn’t be able to watch over them if he was carrying them in that great basket. 

Embarrassed, I turned my attention back to balancing my oranges. Normally, I enjoyed my Friend’s companionship, but not today.

A movement at my elbow startled me. It was an acquaintance, also carrying an armful of oranges. “I have too many to carry,” she said. “Would you take some of mine?” Seeming oblivious to the oranges piled high in my arms, she placed two of hers on top of mine, and went on her way before I could protest.

Twice more my oranges tumbled from my arms, and twice more I picked them up. Weariness, like fog, enveloped me.

Finally, I stopped.

“Will you still carry my oranges?”

“Yes, of course!” my Friend answered, “I will gladly take care of them.”

The fruit dropped from my aching arms into the large basket. “Thank you!” I breathed.

The beauty surrounding me captured my attention. How delightfully free I was! I breathed deeply and relaxed as I walked close to my Friend, trusting his word. The oranges were momentarily forgotten as I reveled in the freedom and joy I felt.

As we walked, I discovered I needed to turn frequently to my Friend and his basket. There were oranges along the way that I picked up, and sometimes others passing by thrust a few into my hands. At times I was tempted to carry them again, but remembering my previous difficulties, I quickly placed them in the basket beside me. No matter how many oranges I dropped into the basket, it never seemed to fill up.

The sunshine was pleasant and the way beautiful, but my feet grew weary. I sat down to rest for a moment in the soft grass, and closed my eyes. Soon I felt a tap on my shoulder and opened my eyes to see my kind Friend offering me a tall glass. “I squeezed this juice from a few of your oranges.” 

Gratefully, I returned his smile, feeling strength seep through me as I sipped the refreshing juice. 

Peace and delight filled my heart as he said, “If you continue giving me the things that weigh you down, I will always be glad to carry them. I will bring you blessings in return and you’ll be free to enjoy our friendship and to bless others on the way.”

“Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged [weighed down] with … cares of this life” – Jesus (Luke 21:34).

Copyright © Sheila Sink

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