Burlap Buddy

I noticed a man yesterday in downtown Seattle.  He was toting a large burlap bag.  What it contained we have no idea, but tote it he did.  I watched him for about an hour off and on.  He first came to my attention on 1^st and Pike Street.  Forty-five minutes later I saw him on 1^st and University. 

As he walked slowly he continually shifted his bag from shoulder to shoulder every few minutes.  Onward he trudged, carrying his burlap buddy.

This made me wonder.   Do I carry a burlap buddy?  Do you?

I imagine we both do.  What’s in mine? 

A lot of regret.  A lot of missed opportunities.  A whole bundle of wrong choices and missteps. 

And we carry this bundle with us … unless … unless we find a way to unpack our burlap buddy. 

I think that starts with a healthy dose of self-forgiveness, and sometimes that is only found with the help of a wise and trusted counselor. 

Often, our burlap buddy is made lighter by a strategically placed phone call and reconciling the past.  Maybe that means asking for forgiveness.  Perhaps it also means forgiving one who has slighted us.  Either way, the bag gets lighter with such phone calls.

Some find relief in a counselor’s office.  There are some very fine trusted individuals who know the workings of the human mind and can offer us tremendous help in lightening our load.

And then there is God.  He can take that burlap buddy and help you unpack some things.  All it takes is a call.  Here’s his number.  Matthew 11:28-30

He simply says “Come to me.”

COME!

The invitation is wide open.

The grace flows in abundance.

The invitation is always on the menu.

The lights are always on and He always answers His phone in person.

Bring your burlap buddy to a place of rest.  Leave it there.

P Michael Biggs

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