My traveling companion's luggage revealed the depth of his experience...a small bag for two weeks in Russia and Kyrgyzstan. I asked him to share his strategy for traveling so lightly. He said, "I take everything out of my bag after each trip. If I did not use it...I get rid of it. If I did use it...I consider a lighter alternative."

Extra baggage always causes frustration. It's too heavy; it gets in the way; and it strains my back. Extra baggage, spiritually, does the same – it's too heavy, it gets in the way of living, and places a strain on me and others. Let me list just some of the extra spiritual baggage I sometimes pack.

I could list pride, envy, anger, greed, lust, revenge, and on and on. To think that Jesus offers to lighten our load!

He wants to lighten my suitcase full of pride and replace it with humility. He wants to lighten my suitcase full of envy with delight for others’ success. He wants to lighten my suitcase full of greed with contentment for what I have.

Traveling with a lighter load requires an act of the will. I must first hand over my heavy suitcases! Sounds too simple, but it means I must let go of my grasp upon them. How ridiculous to pack these heavy items in my spiritual bags.

Will you join me in letting go? Jesus wants to lighten our load.

He says, Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you... (Matthew 11:28-29a NIV)