The Baggage Handler - A Review

The Baggage Handler

by

David Rawlings

Three airline passengers decided to retrieve their own luggage, but they each picked up a another’s bag in error. With deadlines approaching and life crashing in. the three passengers are sent to Baggage Services to retrieve their own luggage.

As they each retrieve their luggage, they find that they are carrying far more baggage than they thought. It was the baggage they had gathered as they listened to family, friends, and co-workers; baggage they had paid dearly for as they lived their lives. However, in the time (had it only been a few minutes, it seemed like forever) they had to wait for the Baggage Handler to clear them to leave, some would find their load lighter, others would see no lightening of their load - maybe it would even be a bit heavier as they finally saw the load they chose to carry.

This reader found his own load to be a bit lighter as he was reminded of his own story and had let go and gave his baggage over to the true Baggage Handler many years ago. God was good as he took that load and provided the freedom to grow and change in unexpected ways.

Easily a five-star book that can be appreciated by many; but like the passengers that day, not all will. They may have to meet the Baggage Handler on another trip, maybe then they will share their load with Him.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

It Is Sunday - And I Am Tired

It has been three weeks since I preached my last sermon. I spent most of one week recouperating from Christmas; four days traveling to Myrtle Beach; four days attending the UM Congress on Evangelism; three days returning home; and one week teaching my first week of classes for the Spring semester. Finally, I prepared and preached my first sermon for the new year. And now I am exhausted.

I know some think preaching is an easy task - but I have discovered in my 9-1/2 years in the pulpit, that preaching is work, real work. It takes time to prepare and it takes time to deliver the message. But there is more - preaching is a spiritual activity and as such it is a perfect target for a spiritual attack.

Though I know it is not true, I sometimes fall under the illusion that preaching is all about me. But the truth is, it is not. Preaching is about Him - not somewhat, not partially, not incidently. Preaching is about Him. Each sermon I prepare, each sermon I preach, should lead my hearers to Him. And when I do that, I should expect to challenged. And when I am challenged, I should not be surprised to feel drained.

Tonight I feel drained.