It’s 7:30 am. I’m checking out of the hotel, but I’m not leaving the conference until about 3:00 pm. I ask the person at the desk if there’s a place to leave my baggage.
I hand her my backpack. “That’s all?” Yes, I replied. I’ve learned.
People all the time make travel much more difficult and anxiety ridden than they should. They wrestle with baggage through the airport. When you travel alone, you have to take it all into the restroom stall with you. Ever try that?
Then there’s the worry about overhead space. If you are not among the first 30 or so, will there be space for my baggage?
If weather is bad and you miss a connection, you’re on standby for later flights. Often you’ll be the last one on. No room for the “roll-aboard” luggage.
My backpack fits under the seat in front of me. Unless I’m in a bulkhead seat, I’m fine. Even then, it’s easier to stow a small backpack than a hard-edged suitcase.
“That’s smart,” she said.
How do I do it?
I ruthlessly evaluate everything I carry. I look at size, weight, and utility. After years of travel, you figure out that you’ve carried tons of clothes and other things that you never used. Stop carrying them.
I’m an old man, and I’ve experienced many troubles–most of which never happened.
The baggage analogy is often used in life. That’s because it’s true.
It’s the same in life.
Have too many things? Ruthlessly pare down to the essentials.
Too many people in your past that hurt or disappointed you? Put them behind you. They don’t care about you. Why carry the burden with you?
God has injured or disappointed you? Put that god behind you. Read what Jesus said again with new eyes, devoid of theologies you’ve been taught. What did he actually say. It’s really a simple faith and experience of the Spirit of God.
Like Noel Paul Stookey of the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary wrote in Hymn about attending a church service at offering time
I just had time to write a note, and all I said was I believe in you.
Faith Venture 
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