Two Monks and a River

We received a story in email a while ago that impacted both Dan and I. Since we didn't keep the original, I'll have to attempt a "retell" here:

Two monks were on a pilgrimage. They were devout and holy men. One morning while walking they came upon a river that needed to be crossed. There was no bridge, so the only way to get to the other side was to get wet. Standing along the bank of the river was a distraught woman. When the monks asked if they could help, she indicated that she too must cross the river. She simply must get to a designated place at a designated time, but since she couldn't swim she was too frightened to make the crossing. The monks looked at each other for a few moments, and then to the surprise and shock of the first monk, the second monk picked up the woman and carried her across, swimming through the deepest part. Upon reaching the far shore, the monk kneeled briefly in prayer and then looked back for his companion. Still somewhat in shock, the first monk followed, and after all had made the crossing safely, they bid each other farewell and went on their separate ways. The two monks continued walking for several hours in silence. Finally the first monk could not contain his concern, "Friend, why did you pick up that woman back at the river? How could you? You know that we have taken many vows. We have taken vows to never touch a woman. How could you? What must the Lord think?"
The second monk looked with compassion on his friend and said simply this, "Friend, I put the woman down hours ago. Why do you still carry her?"

There are many spiritual bunny trails one could go down from this story, but the lesson the author chose to highlight is a good one. The story is not about choosing to sin in order to help someone in need. The story is about moving on. We all sin, fail, and also get hurt by others.... whatever..... it's time to lay it down by the river and walk on in peace. Why do we still carry these burdens? Our Lord is full of mercy and grace when we fail. He is full of comfort, help, and compassion when we are wounded. Yesterday is over. We have all met a woman by the riverbank. When I think of her and find myself carrying her once again, I try to consciously lay her down. Why do I still carry her? Why do you?

"The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion." Psalm 116:5