Daily Devotional for March 6, 2017
Life Luggage (Part 1)
James dragged his bag through the airport. “Dad, it’s too heavy! I need a luggage carrier!”
Dad chuckled. “What did you pack? Bricks?”
“Just one.”
Dad stopped walking. “Seriously?”
“I didn’t want to forget our backyard!”
“Well, you can rest at our gate.” Dad pointed ahead. “We’re almost there.”
After James plopped down hard into a chair, he noticed the many people passing by. One gray-haired woman dragged a suitcase half her size. I wonder what’s in there, thought James. She must have a lot she doesn’t want to forget. Next came a small girl twirling a tiny canvas bag. Crayons and candy, James guessed. Not too heavy.
Dad watched the people go by too. “Everybody has luggage,” he said.
James spotted a man holding only a phone. “Not him.”
Dad followed James’ finger. “Sure he does. Let’s say your life is a suitcase, and every friend, place, sports game, and great day, is like an item in your luggage. Good things and the bad things—we carry them with us. But sometimes the bad things make our lives heavy, and it’s hard for us to carry those things around.”
“So what happens when life gets too heavy?” asked James.
“That’s the best news of all,” said Dad. “You don’t have to carry it alone. Jesus will carry it for you so you can rest.”
Just then their section was called over the loudspeaker.
“That’s us!” James leapt up and reached for his bag, but his arm was still too sore to lift it. “Hey, Dad, can you help me?”
“Of course.” Dad grabbed James’ bag and they headed toward the gate.
After they were seated and their bags were stowed away, Dad turned to James. “You know, I’m not the only one who wants to help carry your luggage.”
“Really?” James looked around. “Who else?”
“God does. He has a plan for every moment of our lives, and He will never give us more than we can carry with His help.
James thought for a minute. “I get it now,” he said. “Jesus is my luggage carrier!” – Kelly Carlson
How about you?
Do you ever feel life’s heaviness? When families split or you experience tragedy, there’s just too much hurt to manage alone. You might grow angry or hide your hurt in unhealthy ways. When life gets heavy, remember that God sent Jesus to carry the burden of your sin—and He wants to carry your other burdens and give you rest. Ask Him to carry your load and direct you to an adult who can help.
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?