How Long Can We Hold That Pose?

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory. ~William Barclay

Our stance matters.

The position of our posture affects how long we can maintain it.

This landmark figure in Palma, Mallorca boldly strikes an interesting pose extending what appears to be an olive wreath while raising a dagger. As with many yoga positions, it looks hard to maintain such a position for long. Yet many find themselves in such a posture daily. The way we hold ourselves largely determines the possession of our burdens as well.

This reminds me of a story...

A young woman strode across the room while explaining stress management to an audience. She held a raised glass of water, and many thought she was going to ask the question, "half empty or half full?" She fooled them all.

"How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Audience answers ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter; it depends on how long I hold the glass. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens alone all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden, bearing stress longer and better each time."

Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax. Pick them up later after you've rested, even if only for a bit. First thing in the morning, ask yourself, "whose burden is this to carry?" Don't just pick up everything indiscriminately. Our arms are not made for such a load. And, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night.

Let us faithfully endure life's challenges with the help of the One who helps us transform hardship and burdens into glory!

"Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30

Cast all your cares on him [God], for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22