On our recent trip to OK I had a different experience with airport security that tripped a new thought regarding wholeness of life. That, along with an additional unrelated yet relatable experience, has given me some good material and I wanted to share it with you. Let’s plan for the next 3-4 weeks UNPACKING this new series.
The whole point of the “bag check” at the airport is to check your bags in with the airline so they can put them on the plane and have them arrive at your destination (with you). For this series, we’re going to use that term a few different ways than just putting it on a plane. Let’s see what things we’re carrying around with us on a daily basis that may be weighing us down, becoming a stinking mess, and sucking the life out of us.
This first week is very simple. LOOK INSIDE!
As we navigated the airport last week, we were rocking it – all 6 of us and 297 bags. We breezed through the ticket counter – thank you SWA app and automated kiosks. We sailed through TSA checkpoint – chugging our liquids, bearing our little stocking feet, and unveiling all 53 electronic devices. We were killing it.
After a refreshing dose of radiation and foot exposure, we had successfully collected our prized belongings and donned our shoes again. Awaiting our last bag out of the x-ray, I began to feel exceptionally good about our execution in the early morning hours.
I started thinking we would get to the gate with time to spare so we could pee since we just drank a gallon in 2 minutes. BUT…It got flagged, pulled, and set aside for further inspection. So much for a perfection!
Upon acknowledging it was ours and embracing the mandatory interrogation that followed, a brand-new bottle of shoe cleaner that Mimi had just purchased for the boys to go with their new shoes was discovered.
The dismay that came upon the faces of ALL 3 big boys was visible and the panic was nearly tangible. Our options were to trash the new bottle (which I voted for) or check the bag (which meant someone had to return to the ticket counter, check the bag, and then make it back through security ALL over again and get on the plane before “the cabin door was closed, cross-checked, and ready for departure). Dad was chosen.
I DID make it to the gate while they were still lining up, but I couldn’t help but think it would have been so much easier if one simple thing would have happened – THE BAG was CHECKED.
I’m talking about looking inside and evaluating its contents. We know what’s not allowed – liquids or gels more than 3.4 fl oz. So, a simple peek would have saved us the trouble.
So, let’s do a little searching in our own heart to start, a little self-evaluation to begin. Let’s unzip the container of our heart and see if there is anything that will fail the inspection – anything that is offensive to God.
Pray this prayer with me, that has become a standard part of my morning routine.
“God, Search me and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is anything that goes against you and lead me in the way of wholeness of life.” Psalm 139:23-24 (my paraphrase)
Then, listen and see what the Holy Spirit speaks into your heart and mind.
Forgetting to look inside may cost you to miss your opportunity to soar!
#CheckTheBag
#RunningThroughSecurity
#BaggageCheck
#RestoringWholenessOfLife
Brett
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