Before coming to work in the office of Groundwire, I was in the insurance industry, so I had to hold a Colorado state issued Life and Health insurance license.  It took many hours of study, one long four-hour test, and 24 hours of continuing education credits every 2 years to keep the license current. 

It was up for renewal again this year and I still had 17 of the 24 credit hours to do.  I debated keeping the license.  My husband and I discussed it thoroughly.  Do I need it any longer?  Is it worth the time for study and testing for the needed hours?  Is it worth the money to purchase the study material, test, and renewal license?  In the end, the final decision was to go ahead and do the work, pay the money and keep the license only because it had been so hard to get initially.  Why in the world would I let it go now?! 

In one of those middle of the night can’t sleep because I’m mulling things over in my head moments, I had a thought.  Is that why we sometimes hold on to the things that hurt us as well?  Because it was so hard to get initially we can’t let it go now. But now the question changes.  Why in the world would you not let it go?!  Jesus promised that if we let him, he will carry those hurts.  All we have to do is hand them over to him.  Suddenly, our hurt is replaced with joy. 

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:29-30 “I think how much you have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings.”  Psalm 63:7 There are some things we want or need to hold on to: a favorite old shirt, a grandmother’s wedding ring, or even an insurance license.  There are also some things to let go of: hurt and pain from the past. 

Let Jesus lighten your load today.