Lent- Got some baggage?


The lenten service sermon at church today did not disappoint. Every year at this time, our preacher tries to find a way to illustrate God's love for us. Lent is a time of deep introspection and that can be really upsetting for some people. It's easy to, as we're choosing something to give up, feel like other problems are becoming more significant.

Gave up coffee? Now you are so irritable you're yelling at your kids! Gave up wine? Now you can't relax! Lent is tough I tell ya.

Today at church our preacher gave out baggage tags. On one side the church's name, and on the other side it reads:

"You're Baggage. God's Got It."


We all have baggage, things we're not proud of, things that are upsetting us. Here's an opportunity to give it all to God. Check your bags with him. He won't charge you extra either. God will carry your baggage, he doesn't want you to carry it anymore.

What a concept. I love it.

For homework, we're supposed to make a list of all our "baggage". A list of all the things that are bothering us, stuff we don't want to carry around anymore. Make the list, then find an old bag or purse, and put it inside. Then go out to the trash and throw it out.

I challenge you to check your bags in the coming week, even make your list and throw it all away. I think you'll feel better if you do. I think you'll feel hopeful and encouraged. I know I will when I do it!

11 comments:

lizziefitz said...

Ah , That was very refreshing. I love that He won't charge us extra either:)

Summer is a Verb said...

I don't have any pocketbooks that I'm willing to part with as a vehicle for my "baggage" list but, I am most certainly going to do the exorcise you suggest! Just sans the purse sacrifice...XXOO

Suburban Princess said...

I would have to go out and buy a bag I dont like so I can do this!

Is the tag suggesting we are god's baggage? *confused*

The Mrs. said...

We aren't gods baggage! LOL. We can give our problems and concerns to him. he will take care of it.

Anonymous said...

I laughed out loud at that coffee comment! That is me, twitching away! This is such a good point. Our pastor hasn't mentioned lent because I attend a nondenominational church (I grew up Lutheran, so I participate) but he talked about guilt today and I think sometimes that goes hand in hand with baggage. How encouraging! Thank you for sharing! xoe

Solar Powered said...

Ahhh...I love this challenge because giving it all over is one of my life's motto. We can't let our past ruin our future...thanks for the great reminder.

PaperCourt said...

What a great idea. I'll give it a go.

Eloise said...

What a great exercise! I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing, Mrs.

XOXO

Debra said...

Great idea! I will definitely be doing that. Thanks!

Bethany said...

Wow. That is a great concept. I'm seriously going to do that.

Pink in a sea of blue said...

I really needed to read this today. Thanks for posting. I need to check my bags for sure and will be making that list.