The Thing about Baggage

I read about this drama sketch, a representation of an invisible truth.

The groom stands at the altar, waiting for his bride. Everything is as normal and traditional as you’d expect, except that he’s carrying a load of suitcases. Duffel bags, backpacks, in each hand, over both shoulders, and under each arm. They’re each labeled with words like denial, depression, fear, arrogance, deceit.

We hear his thoughts out loud: “Finally, I have someone to help me carry all of these bags. She’ll lighten my load, I just know it. God has given her to me. She’ll make everything easier.”

And at the end of the aisle, the bride walks toward her groom. Everything is as normal and traditional as you’d expect, except that she too is carrying her own load of bags. Garment bags, makeup bags, shoulder bags, in each hand and under each arm, with a roller bag behind her. They’re each labeled with words like insecurity, fear, worry, anger, and victim mentality.

We hear her thoughts out loud: “Finally, I have a man. He’s big and strong and mine. He’ll help me carry all of these. In fact, I can probably just hand them to him as soon as we’re married. He’s strong enough. He’ll make everything easier.”

She meets him at the altar, and they are radiant with expectant joy. They speak their vows, and the officiant pronounces them husband and wife. It’s time for him to kiss his bride.

But they cannot reach each other. They can’t get close enough to kiss, to love and be loved. Their baggage is in the way.

* * *

What are you holding onto that you could choose to set down?
What baggage is keeping you from loving somebody, from letting them love you?