Watching & Waiting

On the return home from a very long international flight I found myself standing at O’Hare baggage claim with the rest of the passengers waiting for my bag to slip down the chute onto the carousel. I became alert once the mechanism activated and the first of the bags started their descent onto the carousel. Everyone crowding around the edge, eyes all focused on each piece of luggage. Would mine be there? Did it make the tight connection?  Hundreds of bags slowly presented themselves, slipped down the chute and onto the carousel.

All bags as different as the passengers. Different sizes, shapes, softness, colors. Each containing the belongings of those tired travelers. No sign of mine.

 

Slowly bags are claimed and removed. Less people now and I’m trying not to worry. I’m looking for a large, soft sided, dark blue case with some red yarn tied to the handle. Lots of dark blue cases but  not mine. I found myself mesmerized by the slowly circling bags and reflecting on the many things that are outside of my control as well as the metaphorical baggage I am carrying. 

 

Of what do I need to let go? What do I do if my bag doesn’t show up? I wait watchfully.

 

There are less then 10 people standing at the carousel now. I breathe deeply and try to let go.

 

And then there it was. It popped out the chute and slipped onto the slow-moving carousel. Relief.

 

I waited for it to come towards me and then dragged it off as best I could. It seemed very heavy. What on earth did I have that was so heavy?

 

I am filled with gratitude for its’ safe arrival, and I can continue the rest of my journey home.

 

This Advent what are you watching and waiting patiently for? Are you tired  of carrying baggage that is too heavy?  Is there stuff you are being called to let go?

 

Isabel Rafferty OP

Madison, WI