BLACK BAGS

When you travel, if you check your baggage, you notice as you stand at the carousel, most bags are black.  For good reason---if you see what they do to your nice colored bags--they end up black anyway.  I always mark my bag with something identifying tied to it.  As those bags roll off the conveyor, I am mesmerised and extremely curious.  What is inside all those black bags?



If you have ever traveled internationally, you have had the joy of going through customs.  It is such a thrill to have someone go through your things--including your dirty underwear.  I always wonder if the immigration people become like doctors, and think if you have seen one-you have seen them all.   My OCD pops up during those sessions of pawing through my bag.  I have everything neat and tidy and do not take kindly to someone messing it all up.  What in the world could be interesting in my black bag?  Can't they look at me and tell they should just pass?

There are some real characters traveling these days.  As I see them grabbing their bags, I wonder, what do you have in there.  Secrets--contraband---mysterious items---are you hiding anything in there?  If I looked at your bag, what would it say about your life?  Would you be in a panic if your bag broke open and we all got a look?  We have all seen those bags which have broken and come limping down the belt with stuff hanging out.  

Our life can be like a black bag.  We all line up in physical bodies of different sizes, shapes and colors, but your life is all in the bag.  What would your reaction be if your bag popped open and we could all see what you are carrying around?  Are you an open book, with no secrets to hide?  If someone searched the baggage you are dragging along, what would they think?

We may be able to conceal our stuff in the baggage we are carrying, but God is the immigration inspector.  Someday when we make that final trip, he will open our bag  before us and remind us of what we thought was important and drug along every step of the way.  How will I feel when He reminds me of the stuff I drug along--weighing me down--of no importance?  Thinking---Lord, I am thinking--about my black bag.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
II Corinthians 5:10


9 comments

  1. Wow!!! What a great wake up call this morning!

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    1. I just cleaned out my latest bag & assessed what was junk, Julie - I still have plenty of work to do!
      Blessings!

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  2. Lulu, you sure have a knack for words, that's for sure (big smiles). Yep, each and everyone of us is going to stand in front of God, naked and in all our glory...not one is going to escape. Great post, thanks. Have a lovely day my friend. Blessings

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    1. It is daunting to think about, right !!
      Blessings, Sweet Friend!

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  3. Great reminder to do a check on what I keep repacking every morning. Thanks, Lulu

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    1. I have packed & re packed so many items that would be best left behind!
      Blessings, Friend!

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  4. I got an unexpected glimpse into my 'black bag' this past week. Hmmm ... I didn't like what I had packed. Gonna make an effort at some work there. Thanks Lulu. Have a blessed day. ~:)

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    1. Yes--I need to lighten my load as well!
      Blessings, Sparky!

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  5. It's amazing how I can dig through other people's bags and immediately know what they need to keep or throw...but when it comes to MY bag, I move things around...push some things in the corners...hide things under the dirty laundry...deposit things in the little zippered compartments...and, then leave visible only the "good" stuff. Loved this post.!!!

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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!