Heavy Package… by JoAnn

Suppose we could compartmentalize all of our worries, problems, jobs, etc., into neat little packages; where would we start? It would make sense to start with the lightest and end with the heaviest. Or the easiest to the most difficult. Or maybe, the one of the most importance should go first. Or does it even matter, just as long as each one is taken care of efficiently—something to ponder.

I think that if I get all the little things out of the way, I have much more energy to tackle the big stuff. I tend to worry more about the big things on my to-do list in life and want everything else out of the way when I tackle them so they get the best of my concentration. Some people say, oh no, get the big one out of the way first, and everything else will be cake!

I have noticed with great envy how others seem to carry their burdens. They do it so effortlessly as if it comes naturally to them. When I have a burden, it weighs heavily on me until it’s taken care of. It overshadows all that I do—like a black cloud following me around 24/7, reminding me that it needs to be taken care of. How does someone seem to be unhindered from the stress of their large burdens?

Author Christin Lewis says, “Just because someone carries it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.”

That quote tells me that even though someone may appear to be carrying their heavy package very easily, it does not mean it is light. It is still bringing them much discomfort. We cannot assume that a box the UPS driver delivers to our neighbor is light. Perhaps it is heavy, and he has the extra strength to carry it well.

Is that what it takes: extra strength? I’ve thought of myself as a strong person for many years now. I look back on all I have gone through in my life and can see that I have become a much stronger person to endure it all. But since I was able to endure it and come out the other side, does that make me strong? No, I don’t think it does.

I think being able to carry it well is the power. Even though the plight is a heavy one, carrying it well shows strength of character. I would much rather come through to the other side with great strength of character than merely making it to the other side. Only then do I think you have a real success on your hands. Only then do I believe you can and will make it through a tough time again, if or when it arises. All said and done, it’s essential to learn from everything we go through and then use that knowledge in the future.