The Wheelbarrow

When fall would come when I was a Child
A wheelbarrow was used for joy filled rides
No worries or cares went into the mix
Only smiles and laughter were part of the trip

It was not that long ago
My wheelbarrow was filled with woe.
I pushed it down my path in life
And only filled it with my strife.

I'd rake and scrape each worry and care
And place them into my wheelbarrow to share
Each one had a reason it's very own purpose,
But once in there they grew and mutated like a virus.

My wheelbarrow finally became so heavily ladened
Not one more thing could be included to seek my attention
To push it any further would require assistance
I prayed to the Lord for more strength or more patience

The Lord did not answer this prayer with a tear
He merely said, "Just remove your fear!
Your load will be lighter, your worries few
In fact your wheelbarrow will look like new!"

I fought with his answer with all my might
To push this wheelbarrow was my right!
I sighed and bemoaned this newest event
And began to look at what all this had meant

Just as I had decided to continue on my way
My wheelbarrow hit a rock and began to sway
The contents shifted and soon I found
Each one of my burdens had fallen to the ground

Standing bewildered at this time
I began to pick up the things that I thought were mine
As I turned each burden over and over in my hand
I could find no proof of ownership nothing stamped with my brand.

I saw in my wheelbarrow the one thing left to me
When the contents of worry were finally free
Once there on the ground for me to inspect
What was left in the wheelbarrow was my self-respect

I found some love and beautiful memories
Which I happily added with the love the Lord had shown me
Now on my path, my load is much lighter
With Love in my wheelbarrow my path is much brighter

Randi RauhTyler©