Baggage

I am not a frequent flyer, but I do fly enough to have observed the baggage wars. Some people seem committed to taking most of what they own with them as “carry-on” baggage. If you fly at all,  you probably know the rules. One carry-on bag that fits the size requirements and something small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Airlines seem to know the rules, but have a bit of difficulty enforcing them uniformly.

I am amazed at what some people bring – bags that could not possibly fit in the overhead rack without taking up twice the space allowed, plus a computer, purse, sack of toys, lunch, gifts for the people they are going to see, and a two gallon bottle of water (no one in their right mind would drink “airplane water”, right?). Personally, I like not having to “fool” with all that stuff.

I am not the only one who notices this problem:

I get that passengers and airlines are tired of cheaters who flout the carry-on rules. I am too. Think of the guy who spends 10 minutes in the aisle trying to jam his steamer trunk in the overhead bin or the woman who juggles two carry-ons plus a Godzilla-sized purse. These folks brazenly take over what little bin space is available and should be stopped. But arbitrarily including those who do follow the rules in the cheater-dragnet is just plain idiotic. (ABC News)

Funny thing (well not really) is, people come to Church the same way. Carrying all their  “emotional” baggage, I mean. And they use it to hammer other people, take out their frustrations on friends who deserve only llove and acceptance, and help create an environment that is significantly less than what the Church is designed to be.

God is in the baggage removal business. Learning to trust Him to forgive and clear your past, and handle the circumstances of the present, is the path to discovering a life more freely given to joy and peace. Check it – out!