As I was planning out my flight from DTW to ORD, I made sure that I got rid of all liquids, gels, shampoo and toothpaste. Bottom line – I was traveling even lighter than I normally travel with my luggage. After going through the security check, I was pulled over for an “extra” security check. The security lady opened up my luggage and found my deodorant. For the next 5 minutes I was trying to convince her that it was not a gel deodorant. I tried to explain that it was a solid anti-perspirant. She disagreed and said it was in the gel form. Out of my stubbornness I told her to open it up and double check (personally, I didn’t want to buy another one). She angrily opened up the deodorant and turned the dial. She then began to explain the chemistry and the material science of deodorants (simply, she was schooling me).
She then said I had three options (I like options):
1) Go out of security and go to the ticket counter and check-in my little luggage
2) Go out of security and give the items to the person who dropped me off at the airport
3) Give it to them to discard
Hmm… the first two options were too inconvenient, but the 3rd option seemed like such a waste. So, I proposed a 4th option. The security lady raised her eyebrows in response to my defiance. I told her that I did not like the three options that she gave me. I said, “How about a 4th option? I will donate it to you or to the airport community of Detroit.” With a small chuckle she trashed it in a bin with all the other toothpastes, hairsprays, shampoos, colognes, perfumes, gels and deodorants.
For some reason, it was easier to relinquish my possessions if I perceived it as a donation. But then again, the word “donation” still has the sense of ownership of the possession. I am wondering what would happen if we saw everything in our lives as God’s property. Then, relinquishing it would be easier whenever God asks for it.