Waddle, Waddle, Waddle

There’s a pond across the street from my house. There are two black swans that live there. They look so regal as they glide effortlessly across the water with their heads held high, accentuating their long, graceful necks. They are stunning.  But, have you ever seen one out of the water? 

I was looking out my window, early in the morning, when I observed one of the swans out of the pond and walking across the sidewalk. Or, should I say, “waddling”. I don’t think I had ever seen one on dry land before. They waddle just like a duck! Waddle, waddle, waddle it went, swaying from side to side as if burdened by its own weight.  Its clumsy webbed feet were slapping against the wet pavement.  It was hilarious! But what a sight! It wasn’t regal or graceful.  Honestly, I was kind of sorry that I saw it.  The whole scene ruined the mystique of these creatures for me.  But it did remind me of an important truth.

Sometimes, when I look at others, all I see are swans (especially on social media). Everyone else seems to have a perfect life, perfect kids, perfect vacations, perfect meals, a perfect house, perfect blah, blah, blah. Everything seems to always work out great for them. It’s as if they are gliding beautifully and effortlessly through life. But, that’s not true! People, like those swans, aren’t as they appear on the surface. 

In fact, living in various parts of the world has shown me that most people are all the same. To one degree or another, we all experience the same struggles, cares, concerns, hopes, dreams, and disappointments.  Nobody is “gliding through life effortlessly”. Most of us are just waddling along, swaying side to side under the weight of our concerns.  But as a follower of Christ, we don’t waddle alone and our burdens are not for us to carry!  Jesus said it this way:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

So go ahead, take the weight off, and glide a little. He’s got you.