EXCESS BAGGAGE

When traveling, it is easy to spot those who are not seasoned travelers.  They are the ones standing around waiting to check in with a cart of luggage spilling over.  

Seasoned travelers travel light--know how to pack--and understand the value of less not more.

There is an entire line of ultra light gear for hiking and camping these days.  I recently read a book about the first woman who thru hiked the Appalachian trail.  She was perhaps the "Mother of Ultra Light".  She definitely "got it"---less is better.  She did not pack the expensive ultra light equipment, but instead sewed her own bag to fit over one shoulder and relied upon the kindness of strangers. During my hiking trip in the Rocky's, I counted every ounce--knowing how difficult it would make my hiking to carry excess baggage.




Many of us tend to wag around excess baggage of a different sort.  The baggage of worry, negative thoughts, hatred, envy---. We waste energy wagging around those emotions which tear us down and take the joy from our lives.  They become back breakers and will have us bent over and dragging ourselves along.

There is no excess baggage and only the ultra light when  we pack only joy, happiness, contentment, and freedom from worry instead. Our steps will prove to be light and there will be a bounce as we walk--if only we are willing to give up the excess and walk the path with a light load.  The choice is yours as to how you travel the path---loaded down with the heavy or with a light load and One to help you along as you travel.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
Psalms 139:23


6 comments

  1. Good post. Makes one think. I think we all have various baggage that should be left at the altar with Christ. HE can destroy all ill feelings if we cooperate. I think Anger is one of the most terrible baggage's. It's quite heavy and has no good options except to drop the bag and run away while one can. Anger leads to a lot of other sins: revenge, hate, possible death, etc. I've been working on leaving this bad boy behind when the urge hits. I'm ashamed to say that Anger was a constant companion for a long time after my mother's premature death in 1966. It's been a real hard row to hoe since I grew up with it. It get's to be a habit and it is definitely unhealthy to go down that road too often. ~:)

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    1. Thank you for being open about this, Sparky. Anger is not one I struggle with--but fear for my future and sadness are at the top of my list. My Dad died when I was 14, so I get what you are saying about loosing your mom! It forever alters you! It is a day by day --moment by moment--giving the excess baggage over to him. Your openness is appreciated! Praying for you!

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  2. Life is so much sweeter without the baggage of anger which leads to bitterness and all the rest of the unhealthy emotions that God did not intend for us to carry. Plus the added bonus of being able to truly love others. Great post, Loralu. You seem to always know what I need to hear.

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    1. God knows what we all need to hear. And as I stated on Facebook, I am preaching to myself first and foremost. Always blessed when He allows it to spill over and touch others!
      Blessings!

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  3. Very true ... we all have a lot of unnecessary baggage. I remember once the sermon in church was from Matthew 16:21-27 where Jesus says to his disciples: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me”.

    When I got home I thought I’d do something nice. I gave my wife a big hug and a kiss, and carried her indoors.

    Startled she snapped "What’s wrong with you, have you gone crazy?"

    "No my dear,” I replied. "Didn’t you hear the sermon? Jesus said pick up your cross and follow Me".

    I got a slap in the face and severe backache. No Sunday lunch either!

    God bless.

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!