Where are you going? I see a closet filled with sacks, bags, and luggage. Where did they come from? Let’s see? Some were given to me. There are a few new ones I received as gifts. There are some with a history of numerous trips. I have a bunch in my car that are cloth for groceries. In the pantry are plastic ones from miscellaneous purchases to use for garbage cans. The spare closet has luggage, big purses, and bags for the gym. I keep giving them away and they multiply. 
Here’s a disclaimer: I do love purses and containers of all sizes for they do help us carry the important things with us.
We all have containers. Right? Where have yours come from? What do you intend to go? Have you recently bought anything? How many have come to you during this Christmas season?
Well, let me switch to emotional baggage now. Where has yours come from? Broken marriages, illnesses, joyful times, memories of a great childhood? I think baggage is useful! It all serves to teach us and to help us see who we are becoming. I like the prettier bags with times of happiness and good news, but I am not naive to think they are all so pretty.
Like baggage that has taken you on trips, it is scraped up and dirty. It serves one well and gets us to and from our destinations. It can even make us thankful. Some of it breaks apart and the contents spills. I recall a trip on a cruise many years ago. Our luggage was new and broke between the ship and flight to California. We had it temporarily repaired, but it had to be discarded. In the process, we tried to desperately save the contents. We also bought straps that helped keep it together. Then and ever since I recognize that security straps are essential.
Ever been there? Saving the contents, that is? Trying to claim the best of the best and hang on to the rest somehow? Now is the time to discard the old negative feelings, heal, forgive, and pack in new hope and joy for the next year. Pray, focus, work on relationships. Scrap the old and bind up what you have that can be enhanced.
Look for the Mini Miracles and smile. Travel well, pack carefully, and plan ahead.