CAN I HANDLE YOUR BAGGAGE?

I'll never forget the sights, the sounds, the smells. It was 1998, my first trip to India. Stepping out of our taxi at the Chennai train station, I was greeted with chaotic sensory overload. Thousands of people were milling about like ants. A cacophony of noise arose, as confusing as the Wall Street Stock Exchange. The smells were a mix of human sweat, garbage and smoke. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced...and I was enthralled by it all.  As soon as we were stationary, our party was barraged by a horde of porters, desperately desiring to "handle our baggage". Our hosts, Babu and Latha, negotiated with them, and quicker than you can say "Chicken Masala", they snatched up our bags and toted them off on their heads. 

My American "get 'er done" attitude kicked in, and approaching Babu, I informed him that we were perfectly capable of handling our own baggage. It was then that I learned one of numerous lessons I was to discover about India. Babu informed me that everyone has a specific role in India, and this was their job, so we needed to allow them to do it. 

How often do we resist allowing others to aid us in "handling our baggage"? Especially Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, he offers, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I love the reading in "The Message". “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Here's the "Barney Cargile Translation” (BCT) of that text: "Can I handle your baggage?"

Just imagine. The All-Powerful Son of God wants to handle your baggage! Why limp along through life dragging our baggage around when he's asking to take it...whatever it is. Perhaps it's the baggage of religious duty, lust, or uncontrolled anger. Maybe sexual abuse, people-pleasing or entitlement.... Whatever it is, he's got it! Why be burdened with the “baggage" of life when Jesus can handle it? Don't act as I did in India. Don't let your ego kick in and say, "I don't need any help". Let Jesus handle your baggage!