My Expedition fits 8 people…well, it is possible to get 4 adults and 4 children into the car with the 3rd row up. I found this out last week when we had friends visiting from overseas. It was a tight squeeze, but we managed to fit both our families while traveling to NC and TN. I’m glad to say our friendship survived the trip!
At first, it seemed so simple: 8 seats for 8 people. But it was complicated by one obvious issue – luggage. Several rounds of “luggage Tetris” were needed to put bags in small spaces, under feet, and in laps…and that was with packing bare essentials only!
Truth is, most of us need luggage when traveling. That’s obvious. Still, we probably bring more than we need. Lightening our load would make things easier.
But as much of a nuisance as luggage can be, spiritual baggage is an even greater burden. And the worst thing about carrying spiritual baggage is that it is unnecessary! With size 14 shoes, I need a big bag for my stuff, but big spiritual luggage doesn’t help anyone.
Spiritual baggage comes in many forms. We cram past hurts in our backpack; we haul sins in a suitcase; we strap Satan’s lies to the luggage rack, and we schlep our worries and fears everywhere we go. No wonder many people don’t want to begin the journey to recovery!
The Hebrews writer tells us to:
“lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Running the race is easier when we unload our baggage.
Isn’t it time you dropped a few bags? Jesus told the weary and heavy laden to come into His rest and unburden themselves (Matthew 11:28-30). What could you unload today at the foot of the cross? Live in the freedom Jesus provides. He carries it all.
And if you want to know how, get in touch; I’d love to help.
