Excess baggage

Just dug this post up from my archives as it features in the current issue of Footprints magazine.  Oh, and I still love my storksak nappy bag…

During my second pregnancy I knew I wouldn’t need to purchase many baby items so I promised myself I would splurge on a new nappy bag I really loved.  After all, for even the shortest of trips now I wouldn’t dare to leave the house without a couple of spare nappies, nappy sacks, small wipes, a spare change of clothes, a dummy and a toddler water bottle.  Oh, and definitely a cloth nappy for over the shoulder (my bub’s a very chucky boy).  It’s a good thing I think my nappy bag is completely fabulous because we spend a lot of time together!

But the other day something remarkable happened.  I went out with NO KIDS!  I didn’t need any baby supplies or toddler treats whatsoever, so the nappy bag stayed home.  I dusted off a box from the top shelf of the wardrobe and retrieved a pint sized purse from my past.  There was just enough room for my keys, phone and credit card inside.  At first I felt a bit lost without the security of my big bag, but when I finally convinced myself that I really wouldn’t need wipes for any reason I felt so free.  It was decidedly liberating to go out without the weight of the nappy bag on my shoulders.

As I drove off (without children’s music blaring in the car) I considered the other baggage in my life that I lug around.  Sometimes I unnecessarily carry the burdens of others.  It’s not like I don’t have enough of my own daily worries to haul around!  I need to learn to come along side friends in their time of need without taking on a load that isn’t mine to bear.  Sometimes I carry around a bag of past hurts.  I am even guilty of opening them back up every now and then and having a pity party for myself.  (That wasn’t an easy sentence to share.)  And there’s nothing heavier to carry around than a grudge.  I suspect that if I actually let all of these things go it would feel similar to leaving the nappy bag at home.

A weighed down life isn’t the life God wants for me.  Jesus himself promises rest for those who are burdened if we’ll only come to him.  The Message translation of the Bible says, “Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  (Matt 11:30)  That’s what I want – freely and lightly.  With or without a nappy bag!