“Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders — He’ll carry your load and help you out.” — Psalm 55:22
Travel is a common part of my job. In fact, I’m writing this article on the road. I’ve become an expert at packing, if I do say so myself. My colleagues say, “ Is that all you packed?” They say it is amazing that I can pack so lightly and yet have everything I need.
Experience has taught me that I really can do more with less. Frequent travel has taught me the things that I must have for any trip. It makes my journey easier when I am not lugging extra baggage. There’s nothing more frustrating than packing up items that just take up space.
Another rule is that I leave a little room; I never know which once-in-a-lifetime treasure I may find along the journey.
“Casting the whole of your care (all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all) on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Bible)
God also reminds me that I still need to practice packing light for my life journey. God knows, through wisdom, that I really can do more with less. It will make my life journey easier when I am not lugging extra baggage and burdens. God also knows the things that I must have for a successful journey. This will allow my load to be lighter and leave room for encouraging and being open to treasures that are along the path. I realize I still need lessons in my spiritual packing, because I tend to pack unnecessary items that just take up space.
Here’s my list of must-haves:
Cell phone — I need my communication device, which is prayer, of course. Having that open communication with Christ throughout the day gives me an even greater sense of security.
“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Mobile boarding pass — It gives me flight time, instructions, the toll free line for the airlines and other vital information. It’s my source. If you want to feel helpless, forget your boarding pass. Faith is our ticket that allows us to fly and reach our destinations. It’s the same way when we leave faith out of our lives. We’re stuck and helpless as Christians. Faith is imperative to our survival each day.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6
Drivers license — You can’t board the flight without identification. Our identification with Christ gives us even greater benefits. If we remember our identification with the Lord, it will make us think a little more about the way we act and react throughout the day. I’m one of God’s children.
Travel light … and let go of the extra baggage.
“Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 29 – 30 (Message Bible)
Minister Sheila P. Spencer is an author, educator and poet. She can be contacted at CustomMadeInspiration@gmail.com, and her website is www.sheilapspencer.com.
