You Can’t Check Someone Else’s Baggage for Them

Baggage is such a fun killer! Big, bulky baggage can suck the fun out of any situation. I was reminded of this last week as I traveled to Longview, Washington, to the home I grew up in. My amazing parents still live and manage our beautiful historic home that resides in the Old West Side historical neighborhood.

In keeping it real, when I go home to visit I feel like I am in a bed and breakfast! This house could seriously be a B&B if my parents wanted it to, but the stress would be a too much for them. It is such a nice escape from my draining home tasks of cleaning, cooking, groceries, and laundry. I love the B&B feel.

However, this week as I was taking my big, bulky suitcase out of my trunk, I heard myself let out a huge sigh. My baggage is so cumbersome. I am bound to using a suitcase on wheels because it is so heavy. Well, back in the day when life was simpler, less stressful, and more carefree, I believe people traveled lighter. I think they just carried their bags rather than wheel them. Hmmm…

As I headed to the house I was met by a curb that I had to bump my baggage wheels over and then continue down a narrow sidewalk that fits the historical neighborhood. Bumping along, I am met by a large red cement stair case that leads to the front door. Why do I have to haul so much baggage just for an overnighter at my childhood house?

I was met by my adorable parents at the front door and my mom said, in her forever cheery voice, “Go ahead and bring you bags up to your room.” If you have ever been in a house that was built in 1900 the stairs are a little steep and narrow. As always, I bumped my baggage up and over every step until I reached my room. I made it! I pulled my big bag into the room and flopped on the bed with all the fatigue from the week.

I glanced at my baggage and I had a flash back of being a kid in this very house and flying up and down the stairs with a back pack, and that was it. Where had all this baggage come from? Can I ever escape it, even for a night?

Relationships can’t escape a little baggage here and there. No relationships are exempt from baggage here on earth; heaven will be a baggage free zone with no baggage claim department! Jesus instructs us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people.” This scripture challenges me to peal the grip of my hands off my baggage handles and lay the baggage down at the cross. I trust that Jesus Christ has me covered and He will help me forgive anyone who has added to my baggage.

Bottom-line: You can’t check someone else’s baggage for them. You can only check your own. As far as it depends on you, check your baggage and travel light. God’s greatest desire is for you to live an abundant life, free of baggage.

Tool: The very first step in working on your baggage is awareness. Becoming totally honest and aware of the baggage you are hauling around with you wherever you go. Be alert, be aware of your thought life.