I am too old for piggy back rides. If you are reading this, you are likely too old for piggy back rides. But let’s be honest… if the man you loved offered you a piggy back ride, insistently, beyond doubts that his back might go out, you and I both know we would take that piggy back ride! We may feel silly, even ask if he is sure he can carry your weight– sis, I KNOW I am no longer my high school… or college for that matter, weight. But through and through, beyond logic, you jump on, wobble a little, but then laugh in joy that your guy, is giving you a piggy back ride around the living room, or the park, or wherever.

The Story of “Chunk”

That leads me into a story about my little “Chunk.” I affectionately refer to her as “Chunk” 1. because I was a fluffy child and it is said out of love, and 2. homegirl was 6 years old and a solid 50-60 lbs. Chunk was one of the children in my after school program. She was a moody little girl. When she was happy, she was happy. When she was sad, she was sad. When she was angry, she was angry. But two things she always displayed, clinginess and affection. Little sis was a stage 5 clinger. Where I went she went. We called her “Shadow.” But I loved her so much. She was a classic over-sharer because she felt safe with me. Like seriously, I have a social work background and she shared so much I questioned often if this was one of those mandated reporter type situations– babygirl laid her burdens DOWN.

One day, we were all up in the gym. Children were running, screaming and playing everywhere. My intern was playing tag, and I was playing duck-duck-goose with a group of children. Chunk was in an Eeyore kind of mood that day and did not want to play with anyone. I told her to relax on the bench. She cried and did everything she could to get my attention. My back was to her in the circle but I heard everything she was lamenting about. After a while, I didn’t hear her crying anymore. As I was turning to check on her, I felt what felt like a book bag with 60lbs worth of bricks in it hit my back with the straps around my neck and waist. Chunk had latched onto me and held on tight. She figured she would get my response one way or another. I asked her to get off. and she said, “NO.” I told that I was not playing and she better get off my back right that moment and again she said, “NO, play with me!” Y’all, the struggle trying to get up with Chunk’s weight on me was nearly unbearable. Her childish laughter bellowed out at my 4 failed attempts. Eventually on try #5 I got to my feet, she was still hanging on, and before I knew it, I was in full piggy back ride mode. After a few passes around the gym, I took her to the bench (BACK THROBBING). I looked at her and said, “Tell me about your day.” The waterworks started and she unloaded all her 30 year old trapped in a 6 year old’s body, problems. I listened, consoled, gave that good ole auntie hug, and then we played. I’m sure I said something to put her at ease, but whatever it was, it was enough, and we moved on with our day. Our talks became our weekly occurrence. I willingly went, because I COULD NOT take another piggyback ride, lol.

I share this story to point out a few highlights: Imagine God and i switched places in this story and you and Chunk switched places in this story. some things about her that I loved was that:

1. She did not stop making noise until she got my attention. 2. When she got desperate she wrapped herself around me until I responded 3. She put her whole weight on me without concern or fear if I could handle it or not 4. She hung on for dear life, allowing me to carry the weight of her troubles until she forgot she had troubles 5. When we got to a resting, quieter place, she trusted me and unloaded all her worries, not holding back one; not concerned if I could bear the emotional weight 6. She accepted my consolation and allowed herself to move on 7. She came back for regular meetings with me, and when she was not unloading problems, we enjoyed each others company… and played

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7

When is the last time that you took a piggyback ride with God? I’m talking about throwing ALL your post-high school, post-college, post-marriage, post-baby weight on Him and let Him carry you? We need to become as little children and trust that our Father is willing to carry the weight and cause us to be comforted by His love. He is willing to take the tears and snot on His back and lift you above your circumstance until your mourning turns to laughter.

Sis, When was the last time you held on and didn’t let go until He blessed you? Chunk REFUSED to let me go until she got me alone, in quiet, gave me her burden, and got the blessing of my love! We need to humble ourselves, dig our heels in, and like Jacob, don’t let go until the situation changes. We are not the boss of God, but we are His children. When a child wraps themselves around their daddy’s leg and hold on tight, daddy responds. You may have a sore bottom after but you were heard and daddy responded.

Summary

I do not care how silly I feel, the level of apprehension I feel, or the concerns about how exposed I will be. TODAY, I choose to climb on the back of God and cast all my cares on Him! I will not worry if He can emotionally and physically carry the weight of my problems, HE IS GOD! And additionally, HE IS MY FATHER, and THAT’S what Fathers do! They carry the weight and piggyback your problems away. They create a standing appointment with you because they love you and want you to know that after you have spent time with them, your mood changes, you change! Come and stay long enough. Set up a place and whether it is in your car, your closet, your kitchen, WHEREVER, He will come! He won’t miss an appointment! He won’t be late! Sis, if you have never experienced the love of a Father like this and it seems too hard to comprehend, please take my word for it, He will be a Father to you. Accept the piggyback ride. Become as a little child. Put your weight on Him. He cares for YOU.

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

#aslittlechildren #refreshher #castyourcares #piggybackride