Walking mile after mile gets hard with a heavy pack on your back. The first day I walked the Camino I loaded my daypack with all the essentials needed in case of an emergency: plenty of water, lots of snacks, bandages for cuts and blisters, a rain coat, a rain poncho, a rain cover for my backpack, a camera, a phone, a multitool with a blade and pliers, extra socks, ibuprofen and other meds, a small role of duct tape, and more I’m sure I’m forgetting.

All these items help in certain situations. But that first day proved bright, sunny and glorious. I found clean water to access along the trail and multiple places to eat. I couldn’t have gone hungry if I tried. The smooth path yielded few opportunities to stumble and fall. My pack grew heavier and heavier as I schlepped along so many things I didn’t need. The next day I reduced my load by more than half. With that light pack I’ve now finished eight Camino journeys.

With our groups we emphasize these words from Jesus: 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I heap burdens on my back every day, whether it be family concerns or financial worries or fears stoked by our ravenous media culture. I pack my rucksack to deal with any eventuality. But do I really need to carry all that weight? Jesus promises an easier yoke, a lighter burden. I’m better, and the deepest part of my soul is better, when I release what I’m carrying and trust him with those anxieties.

How good it felt to take bulky items from my pack and walk with a lighter load! We hired a service to carry our heavy bags and they effortlessly moved my extra gear. It was easy. Jesus promises the same. His yoke is easy, take it on and let him cart off the rest.

Matthew 11:28-30

Photo by Sergio Kian