Removing the pins…

Yesterday I went with Betsy to get her pins removed from her foot. We both knew it was going to HURT, especially the numbing shot. And it did! But you know what? The doctor knew that the pins needed to come out. And he used his x-ray vision to know exactly how to go in and remove them. (There were two 2½ inch pins in her foot from her baby toe down the outside) Once he started removing them, she didn’t even know when he was done! I won’t say that it was painless or easy, but it was better than leaving them in her foot – and she will heal better now. I will say that it was VERY HARD to watch Betsy dread and feel the pain.  

I’ve also had some hardware in my ankle – and had it removed. Sometimes when we break or fracture or have weak spots, we need some external support. Then there comes a time to have it removed. Crutches that we need for a season become a hindrance and just one more thing to drag around.  

So, what extra baggage do I have that needs to be dropped off or removed?  

There’s something in Matthew that deals with this very thing. When we take on His yoke, we have exactly the load we can handle and He is there pulling along with us. And directing us in the process. I read the passage below in the The Message –powerful words!!!  

My prayer is that I will NOT be the stubborn mule that pulls against the yoke, but yields to the direction of the Master.  

Matthew 28-30 (The Message)  

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”