Throw off everything that hinders

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

These are becoming some of my favorite Bible verses.  This morning I was thinking about the phrase, "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles".  I carry around so much physical, emotional, and spiritual junk!  Things like extra body weight, fear, shame, hurt, unmet expectations, unforgiveness, sin, and lies about myself weigh me down.  No wonder I feel tired and burdened, but it all comes down to me choosing to let it go!  The King James Version says, "let us lay aside every weight".  I lay things aside every day when I finish with them.  Why is it so hard for me to put down the junk?  The truth is I am comfortable and complacent about my junk.  I put up with it until I absolutely can't stand it anymore and then things need to change!

My hair is an excellent example, although not terribly profound, of something that entangles me!  It has been getting longer and longer for several years, but recently, I hit my limit!  I am tired of it weighing me down and entangling me...literally!  I am finally going to lay some of it aside today!  And that is just the beginning of throwing off the things that hinder me!