Living the Good Life
By Antje Hill

“Come to me, all of you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke and learn from me. I am gentle and humble and you will find rest for yourselves.” Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29 (CEB)

I recently read a story of a man on a mountain climb. Well-meaning friends, relatives and onlookers had given him "things" to carry on his journey, "just-in-case". As he climbed, his backpack became heavier. Finally, he rested beside a stream. He questioned, "What in the world do I have in here?" He emptied the pack on the ground and very selectively chose only essentials to carry the rest of the way. Well-meaning people loved him and were trying to help, but they had burdened him.

Life has a way of adding things to our lives that can drag us down, things like bitterness, grudges, inferiority, and jealousy, non-essentials for the good life. We make the final choice of what goes along with us on life’s trip. 

The lover of our soul always has the remedy for things that weigh us down. But His answer comes with the word, ‘yoke’ and that sounds like we just might lose control. So we walk away, our loaded pack getting heavier with every step and we wonder why it’s hard to smile. Being in control is not all it’s cracked up to be! Take it from one who tried! 

Today's freelance Christian writer is passionate about her faith, husband, sons and her writing. Contact