How heavy does something have to be, to be too heavy?
A psychologist walked around a room while
teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of
water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full"
question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is
this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't
matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute,
it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my
arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In
each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold
it, the heavier it becomes."
Application:
"The stresses and worries in life are like
that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens.
Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think
about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing
anything."
It’s important to remember to let go of
your stresses. As early … as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't
carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the
glass down!
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV).
