LOST LUGGAGE - Lesson in Simplicity

Pam and I arrived in Chennai on Jan. 16, after changing planes four times, running to catch our flights both at St. Louis and Chicago. Bad weather - no, foul weather - no, horrible weather - made us run to catch flights in both those places. We made it all okay, but one piece of baggage did not. It stayed back in Chicago. Daily phone calls, long distance communication,desperate emails, got no results till six days later the airline declared it lost. First there was extreme frustration as we tried to recollect all that was valuable in the lost baggage. But then we began to realise that we could actually do without ALL the suitcase contained and we could even get duplicate copies of important documents that were in the baggage. Though we would have been compensated for what was lost, yet its REAL value (not the monetary value) began to appear as not so valuable after all. Clothes were in there but I had other clothes. So with toiletries and books and so on. Suddenly it appeared that we had too much of things and could live with less. And it dawned on me that in many parts of the world people are burdened with an excess of things or stuff that they could easily live without. The apostle Paul said we should be content with what we have. Jesus, in the parable of the lilies of the field, said that our Heavenly Father would take care of our needs. Needs not wants.If Christians the world over learned to live with less then all the excess could be used to help those who are truly in want, those refugees and displaced persons, those who have had economic reversals, and those who live in abject poverty, I was humbled as I contemplated these things and realised that even without the lost luggage I was still truly blessed.

Then, a week after our arrival, the luggage was found and delivered to us. My attitude changed to rejoicing. I thanked God for the lost baggage and eagerly checked my "valuables'. Yet, the cotemplation continued, "I could simplify my life - I can do without some things."I am trying to follow that now. Its February and time for TV studio recordings, and evangelistic travels and college teaching. We need prayer for all of this and prayer that we would keep our lives uncluttered by excess things."Thank you Lord for what you have given us.

"Lord, teach us to be satisfied people, not yearn constantly for more."

Till our next chai time Leonard and Pam say Bye and Blessings.