Jesus wants us to be free of the burdens we carry.
There's a story about a man who has many responsibilities at work and they often cause him concern. He also has a family at home and he has chosen not to be a burden to them. When asked by a friend how he manages, he tells them that he leaves his work concerns in the tree at the end of the walkway to his home and doesn't pick them up until the next morning on his way to work.
Now, Jesus wants us to give him our burdens and not pick them back up! There's a familiar saying, "Let go and let God." I know this is easier said than done, but it is what God wants.
What is the yoke of Christ? We find rest for our souls in the love and promises of Christ. The burden we then pick up is the burden to love, to be gentle with ourselves and with others.
The more we let Jesus carry our daily burdens trusting him to guide us and help us deal with them, the easier it is to be restful and gentle with ourselves.
We somehow have gotten the world's message that we have to do it all; be it all.
Women are told that being a wife and mother is not enough; they need to make their mark on the business world as well. Men are told that they can't have compassion for others, but must hold in all their emotions and be strong!
Parents can be expected to put themselves into debt to educate their children. Even children can bear the burden of proving themselves to parents or friends.
Burdens!
No one can do everything especially if they think it all has to be done yesterday and alone! God is here. We need to slow down, take Jesus' advice, and let him help with whatever burden we think we need to carry alone.
