Packing List…Redeemed

We’re preparing to fly across the country this weekend, with the two littles in tow.  I’ve been making list after list, reminding myself of what I need to remind myself to pack for the long journey.  I find myself stuck between two strong desires:

1. The Survivor Mentality. Go light-pack as little as possible.  Forget the toys, the gear, the extra ‘just in case’ items.  We’re talking one or two outfits, one pair of shoes, and two pairs of underwear.

2. The Storage and Stockpile Mentality.  The unknowing aspect of any trip can leave me a bit uneasy.  So, when I’m not pretending to compete on Survivor’s next series, I tend to pack an outfit for every type of weather and occasion (and shoes to match) and a toy or activity to keep the kids occupied for every minute of the journey.

Packing for trips usually reminds me of the pilgrim mentality God brings up so often in Scripture, particularly seen, of course, with the Hebrew nation.  And again emphasized in 1 Peter and Hebrews.  Putting belongings in a suitcase and driving away from the place we call ‘home’ provides a small shadow of our real existence as ‘poor wayfaring strangers‘.  Too often, I find myself setting up a little kingdom here-believing that I’m settled here for good.

Here are a few redeemed thoughts that packing has brought to mind:

1When journeys are long and hard, you really can’t pack enough to get you through all the rough spots.  What matters most is not what you pack but with whom you travel.

2When traveling, a few things are helpful, but too many things weigh you down, weary you, and keep you from enjoying the experience (and costs too much money–what is up with airlines charging us for bringing our clothes and essential items with us when we travel?  since when is it ‘excess baggage’ to have one bag that contains a change of clothes and the liquids you couldn’t bring through security?  sorry, i digress)

3The most important consideration when packing is how well your destination will meet your needs. The better the place, the more friendly the people you’ll meet there, the less you need to pack.  (This is one reason I love going to see my Mom and Dad-they always tend to have everything I need, already there waiting for me.)

Packing with Perspective

I’ve only got a few days left and I’m still unsure how many suitcases we’ll need.  I keep thinking of things I need to run out and get for the long trip.  But, these worries have led me to think more about our journey toward our heavenly home, to our heavenly Father.  And I’ve been reminded to travel lightly, to treasure my traveling companions, and to not fuss too much with what I carry-knowing that I’m heading HOME where my Father will meet all my needs (and the journey will be worth every step).

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