Excess Baggage

My bag wouldn’t zip. It was too full.

Once again, I had to sit on my suitcase to get it zipped. As I did so, I found myself wondering, “Why do I carry around so much stuff?

What is it about leaving home that leads me to believe I need 6 pairs of shoes, 3 books to read, and everything from a bathing suit to a parka?

I am a terrible packer; I pack way too much. The whole process of deciding what to take, and what not to take, exhausts me. I want my clothes to be comfortable, but still look put together. Then there’s the consideration of weather. Will it be hot or cold outside? Will it be hot or cold inside? The list of issues I have with packing goes on and on. At the end of the day though, what I’m really battling with, is my own excess baggage.

My worry about comfort, appearance, and having all of my “stuff,” makes me lose sight of the most important detail: the destination.

While I’d like to say this issue is isolated to travel; I know it’s not. I spend countless hours seeking immediate, external reward, when I should be preparing my heart to meet Jesus. Matthew 6:25-33 provides a great explanation for this, and verses 31 and 33 give a good summary.

 ³¹ “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³³ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“

Battling my suitcase this week gave me this little bit of perspective. With it, I intend to do a better job choosing what stays and what goes with me. I know having the right shoes won’t impact my most important destination, but what I’ve packed in my heart will.

What excess baggage are you carrying around? Will you join me in packing a little lighter? Share your thoughts in the comments! I’d love to pray for you on your journey.

God Bless,