stay

I'm drained. Physically, mentally, spiritually drained. The desire to shut down and close off is so tempting. Moments to myself are sometimes all I ever want, but I also fear isolation. Can I fear what I desire? The world is getting overwhelming, and I'd like nothing more than to sit at my little house and tend to my tomatoes without a care in the world. Yet, I want to help. Is it foolish of me to think that I can help?

"You're carrying burdens you were never meant to carry. Take one step at a time, one day at a time. Stay in the present - stay here with Me."

Here with You. It sounds so simple, but it's not really is it? To stay in the present moment and not think ahead to all the "could be" horrors that play out in my mind. But that's just the thing, they're horrors that may never actually come true. That, honestly, will probably never come true. So why do I focus on it - even when I know I can't control it?

"Give it to me. It's heavy. I never meant for you to carry it. Walk with me as I carry it."

Am I not meant to pick up my cross and bare it too?

"Even I did not carry my cross alone."

You are my very present help. You never wanted me to do life on my own, especially in grief, doubt, or hardship. Emmanuel, You are with me.

"It's deeper."

The cross? Your love for me?

"Both. I want you to entrust me with your hardships, but I want to entrust you with mine too. Grieve with me."

That's terrifying. How will it not get too heavy for me? I am already overwhelmed by my burdens.

"I will be with you."