Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Luggage (08/15/05)
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TITLE: Excess Luggage | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gerald Rowlands
08/22/05 -
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The problem of excess luggage has always been a nuisance to me and I am sure to many other travelers too. In my journeys around the world I have frequently had too many items to take to various folk that I would be meeting throughout the journey. I have always tried to keep the weight of my luggage below the maximum amount allowed, but all too often I arrive at the check in counter conscious that the weight is hovering somewhat above what it should be.
Approaching the counter I frequently find myself praying. I am quietly asking God, “Lord please give me a sympathetic person on the counter!” I have usually packed as much as possible into my hand luggage, trying to look casual and endeavoring to walk in a manner that does not betray the fact that there are too many books, Bibles, and other items stowed in my bag. Step up to the counter. Put on your best smile. Greet the attendant politely. Treat them like an old and trusted friend. Keep praying silently in a manner that cannot be easily observed. Try to appear as casual and as friendly as possible and release some faith at the appropriate moment.
The voice you don’t want to hear is the one that says, “I am sorry sir, but I am afraid your luggage exceeds the maximum weight to which you are entitled!” Such a statement calls for your best diplomacy skills as you charmingly apologize and explain that you are carrying some items for missionaries who are working in an impoverished nation where even the basic items are difficult to obtain. Sometimes my guardian angel has apparently been off duty and it has been a little more difficult but most times it has not been an unpleasant encounter. When I am leaving from my home town in Australia I have usually managed to talk myself through without paying any excess, but in several foreign countries I have sometimes experienced some embarrassment.
Probably the worst episode was an occasion in the old Soviet Union. A very large and rather obnoxious lady seemed absolutely determined to make me pay an excess charge. She either could not or would not understand or speak English and my Russian did not extend beyond hello, thank you and goodbye. After almost an hour of trying to explain that I did not have any rubles left, I was certainly wishing that I could say goodbye to this particular lady. I offered her Australian dollars or British currency but each time her reply was a vigorous “Niet, Niet!” Eventually, I managed to convince her to get someone who could speak a little English. Although her supervisor was even bigger than the lady, he was fortunately more kindly and helpful. Using his limited English and my even more limited Russian, he was finally convinced that I had neither rubles, nor any other currency that was acceptable to him. How relieved I was when he finally conveyed the good news that he was waiving the excess charge and I could proceed through to the departure lounge. Thank you Lord. Even the Communists could be persuaded to have mercy on a weary traveler. I had never been more relieved to say “Dos Vidania” (Goodbye)
What a blessing to know that when we finally take our last journey we will not encounter a problem of excess luggage. Brother Paul has long since advised us to “Put Aside every excess weight that we might effectively run the race set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) We have also been warned that just as we entered this world with nothing we will also leave it with nothing. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:7. (KJV)
What a relief to know, when that final journey must be taken, that no one at the Pearly Gates will tell us we cannot enter God’s eternal presence because we have in our person the excess weight of sin. Through the atoning blood of Christ, our ticket has been paid for in full. There are no extra charges. Our passports are in order and our place has been reserved.
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