Unpacking Life's Journey: Checked Bags and Carry-Ons

Walter Williams

“We often talk about people helping us “unpack our baggage” in new relationships or seasons of life. But maybe we shouldn’t bring the baggage at all.”

Picture this: you're at the airport, ready to board your flight. But there’s a sudden announcement—only small personal items are allowed as carry-ons. Panic sets in. No trusted bag, no go-to essentials. It's inconvenient, even stressful. But what if that moment symbolizes something deeper? What if life, like air travel, forces us to periodically reevaluate what we're carrying with us?

Baggage Checks: A Metaphor for Growth

Every one of us carries “bags”—memories, fears, relationships, beliefs. Some are packed with wisdom and love; others are filled with bitterness, regret, or self-doubt. Before we move toward our purpose—our destiny flight—it’s worth asking: which of these bags are worth taking, and which should be left behind?

Safety Over Convenience

It’s annoying when we’re told we can’t bring our carry-on. But it’s often a matter of safety. In life, too, we’re faced with hard choices that prioritize long-term growth over short-term ease. Choosing peace may require setting boundaries. Choosing growth might mean letting go of something familiar. The question becomes: Are we willing to sacrifice convenience for our well-being?

The Courage to Let Go

We often talk about people helping us “unpack our baggage” in new relationships or seasons of life. But maybe we shouldn’t bring the baggage at all. Letting go of resentment, toxic attachments, or limiting beliefs might be the real freedom we need. Not everything that’s been with us belongs with us.

Don't Let Spite Pack Your Bags

When life gets tough, it's tempting to make decisions out of frustration or spite. But when emotions drive the journey, judgment becomes clouded, and irrational choices take the wheel. True progress begins when we choose clarity over chaos, peace over proving something.

Troubles Can Be Teachers

Are we escaping our struggles or learning from them? Painful seasons can be powerful teachers—offering growth, resilience, and deeper self-awareness. If we rush past them without reflection, we risk missing the very lessons meant to elevate us.

Final Boarding Call: Inspect Your Baggage

Before you board your next flight in life—whether it’s a new job, relationship, or personal goal—take a moment to check your bags. Ask yourself:

• Is this experience helping or hindering me?

• Am I holding onto it out of fear or faith?

• Is this belief aligned with who I am becoming?

Let’s celebrate baggage checks as blessings. Let’s lighten our load, cherish what’s essential, and boldly leave behind what no longer serves us. As we soar higher, we may find that the baggage we thought we needed was never truly necessary.