Two-Shoulder Days
The sun crested over the Eastern horizon. As gentle orange, pink, and purple rays spilled over into the morning darkness, the sky began to lighten gradually. And as it did, we pulled into the parking lot.
The rhythm of the day was already commencing. A few cars were already ahead of us in the drop-off line. Grace and I had just a few minutes to talk, connect, and pray before both of our days would begin. She told me what she had ahead of her, and I told her what my day looked like.
We made light conversation and prayed together while our car inched ahead in the line. As we came to the drop-off point, I kissed her on the cheek and reminded her I loved her. As I did, she began to prepare to exit.
Car comes to a stop. Her door opens. And she begins gathering the things she needs.
I look at all the things she will be lugging into the school building that day. A water bottle. Her lunch bag. A bag full of knee pads, shoes, and clothes for volleyball practice later that day. And her school backpack is loaded full with books, notebooks, and writing utensils for the classes ahead.
As she takes up all her things necessary for the day ahead, and slides her arms into both straps on her backpack, I give her a smirk, and say, “Seems like you have a lot today kiddo.” To which she replies, “Yeah, it’s a two-shoulder day, Dad.”
I laughed at the way she said it. My middle-schooler was perfectly describing a heavy day. And that phrase has been rolling around in my mind a lot recently. I knew exactly what she meant by it. That day, for her, was going to be a full day. Demanding in most every way. And the reality of what lay ahead that day was already in her mind before the day had barely begun.
Two-shoulder days. We’ve all had them. Maybe you’re having one today. Or maybe you’ve had a plethora of them recently. Not easy, but you push through knowing that lighter days, and easier loads are ahead. But, for now, you do what you need to do to carry the load you need to carry.
A lot of people carry two-shoulder days. That’s nothing new. But, if we are wise, two-shoulder days, can give us great opportunities to refocus ourselves on Jesus and to share Christ and the hope He offers to all.
Listen to Jesus again: “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.”
In a world of two-shoulder days, praise God for The Savior who invites us all to a lighter burden, and an easier yoke.