Every time we go on a trip as a family or with friends, I always get picked on about how much stuff I like to bring with me. I just can't seem to help myself. There needs to be an outfit for every day. Plus you need backup outfits in case the weather changes. Plus you need backups to backups in case there are accidents and you mess your clothes up. You always need an extra pair of shoes. Then, of course, there are those essentials for creature comforts. Like maybe a favorite pillow, or blanket. What if they don't have a blow dryer where we are going? How about a power strip so we can plug in all of our devices for charging?
It is ridiculous, I know, but I can't seem to stop myself.
We have a routine. My husband makes me bring everything out to the driveway and line it up.
"Is this all?" He asks me.
"Yes," I reply.
"Your sure?"
"Yes."
"Nothing else?"
"Yes."
"I mean it. Are you absolutely positive?"
"Yes." I place my hands on my hips and give him an exasperated look.
"Are. You. Sure?" He gives me a knowing look that says he believes deep in his heart that I am lying through my teeth.
"Yes."
Then he starts packing. And repacking. And repacking again. In the end, it's all in there. Everything we need, and a whole lot of what we don't need. But I am prepared for our trip, and he is sweaty and tired.
When we are done, there is barely enough room for bodies in our 7 passenger minivan. And that is when I spring on him that there of course just a couple of additional bags. The bathroom bag, and a sack of treats for our trip. Along with that "thing" I promised I would bring to a friend on our way.
We cannot every fit anything else. Our van is overflowing with bodies and luggage. The tires are bulging and the shocks are sagging. Nothing else can fit. If you try, it would pop right back out.
Wouldn't it be awesome if we could stuff ourselves to the overflowing with everything that is of God? All of His wisdom, and all of His teaching, and all of His love, just crammed into our spirits and minds?
Then when something that is not of God comes along and tries to cram itself into us... POP! Right back out onto the sidewalks of our lives. No more room.
Just a thought.
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
Philippians 4:8-9 MSG
PRAYER:
Daddy God, we give our life to you. We ask that you help us to trust you. That as we go forth through our day, we will be guided by your word to do what is worthy of your honor. That we practice living in you. To do what is true, and lovely, and of good report. As we take the time to dwell in you, let your love fills us so that we may work in the world with your perfect harmony. You are the most amazing God, and I thank you. Thank you for being right beside me so that each step I take is guided by you. That the words I speak are what you would have me speak. I love our times together. I praise your precious and holy name. Amen!!!
Be blessed.
Trudy B.
