Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.
Hebrews 12:1 KJV
Returning on an international flight after burying my brother, I approached the domestic airline counter to present my ticket and luggage in preparation for the final leg of my trip home. I looked forward to the two-hour flight after being in transit for the last six-plus hours. The ticketing agent verified my identity and flight information, returned my passport, and was just about to tag my luggage when he calmly stated, to my dismay: “Houston, we have a problem!”
There was no problem with the weight of my luggage on the previous flight, I thought, so I was a bit surprised.
“Your suitcase is overweight,” the ticketing agent said. A quick glance at the scale confirmed that it was so by approximately ten pounds. I had to make a quick decision: pay the extra airline fee or remove some items from my suitcase. A little embarrassed, I moved away from the counter and opened the suitcase with a prayer that God would show me what I needed to remove and transfer to my carry-on bag.
Immediately, my eyes rested on a small bag that contained some clothing needing to be laundered. I quickly pulled it out, stuffed it in the carry-on, zipped up the suitcase, and again placed it on the scale. Amazingly, the scale registered fifty pounds exactly. My heart was shouting, Thank You, Jesus! I noticed a lady in line at the next counter who had been watching my predicament.
“Exactly fifty pounds” she exclaimed.
I replied, “Praise the Lord!” My suitcase was tagged, placed on the conveyor belt, and sent on to the aircraft. I proceeded to the designated gate to board my flight.
As I began walking toward my gate, I reflected on my spiritual journey. I considered how I may also be guilty of carrying extra “weight” in my spiritual life. Perhaps I need to reassess and “unpack” my cares, grudges, unforgiveness, regrets, and pain. After all, the Bible says, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee” (Psalm 55:22 KJV). We all need to fly light, being intentional to give all our baggage to the Lord. Then we’ll be heaven-bound without being overweight!
Covered and Carried, Copyright ©2021 Pacific Press Publishing Association
Claudine Houston resides in Georgia, USA.