Traveling Light

"Traveling light has always been an issue with me..."

I’ve never had the skill or maybe inclination to pack or travel light! My family has made comments about this over the years, as have many of my friends.

The problem is, I not only like having options while on vacation or a trip, but I also enjoy all the shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories I may need for said trip or vacation. And I like to plan for possible weather changes as well. This idiosyncrasy came about when I had all the right but wrong clothes packed for a California beach trip. When the weather turned unexpectedly cold, I had to layer or wear the same two outfits the entire week. It totally cramped my style!

Now I like having a plan. I like options.

My friend Debra, who travels regularly for work and manages to pack everything into a carry-on suitcase, teased me that I always have two large suitcases or more when I travel. I informed her that I was doing better and now travel with just one: the largest I can find, while still packing it to 49 pounds or just within the particular airline’s weight limit. And I told her I’d never learned the art of traveling light. She knows this very well about me!

"My sorority sisters know I never travel light..."

Ask my college friends, too; they know this is an issue. Years ago, we planned a ski trip to Colorado with a group of sorority sisters. The two-bedroom condo was packed with close to 20 people, if I remember correctly. Even the upstairs sitting area had sleeping bags rolled out on the floor for our designated “space”! Of course, I had the biggest suitcase and caught flak for how many sweaters, jeans, and outfits I’d packed for that spring break trip. But as it turned out, numerous friends asked to borrow dry clothes when theirs were wet from skiing or falling on the trail runs. I informed several, “See, I packed that just for you.”

Traveling light is a real talent, and I’m not the only one with a problem!

Some years back, when I was a scuba diver, I invited three of my diving girlfriends on a trip to Jupiter, Florida. I had use of a family member’s beautiful beachfront condo, where that area is great for scuba diving. Once I picked up my rental car, I was dismayed that they’d put me in a large van instead of a medium-sized car. The rep explained that it was the only rental they had available, but they wouldn’t charge me more. Later, as I pulled up to the airport to pick up my friends, I was shocked! Each gal had four big suitcases. Then I laughed because I realized God knew they wouldn’t be traveling lightly. These advanced divers were carrying their personal dive equipment that filled two suitcases each. Then they informed me that their clothes and personal items required two more suitcases each. Yes: 12 suitcases! Their items filled the van.

"Scuba divers carry a lot of gear and bags..."

Another friend I have, Mary Lu, may actually be worse than I am! Annually, she drives to the beach where she spends months at her daughter’s home in Florida. It looks like she’s moving in rather than just going on vacation, as her Subaru is packed to the gills. She’s a lot like me: she wants options and plans for all kinds of contingencies. I’ve actually borrowed things from her on trips, like when the weather turned cooler, and I needed a rain jacket to match my outfit.

Traveling light is a skill.

Recently, I teased my pastor’s wife when my husband and I picked up the couple to attend an event. I laughed when Sandra climbed into our car with four designer purses and teased her mercilessly! She sheepishly admitted that one held her makeup, the other was her fanny pack, but then she wasn’t sure which purse she’d carry into the event. In all fairness, they’d recently had their vehicle broken into and everything stolen, so she didn’t trust leaving their car downtown with personal possessions. She’s off the hook, but I still love to tease her.

Many of us need a lesson on packing and traveling light. And as those suitcases seem to be getting harder to lift with each passing year, it’s worth considering.

"I'm learning to pack light with just one suitcase...or sort of..."

While I jest about traveling light and laugh when my family or friends make fun of me, or I tease others, I realize there is a deeper truth to ponder. How many of us are weighed down with just too much stuff in life? I’m speaking literally and metaphorically. Do we really need that much stuff: all those shoes, clothes, purses, accessories, and more? Shoot, half the time I shop on a trip, too!

But then I wonder too: how much soul baggage are we carrying, like old anger, long-held resentments, old wounds of bitterness or unforgiveness? How many of us keep packing and carrying memories, hurts, and offenses that weigh us down in life? I mean, if God were the ticket agent, would He say: “You are way over the limit. Some things need to go, or you can’t board your flight!” Or would He say, like a loving friend or family member, “That’s really got to go! That’s just weighing you down with unnecessary weight.”

Traveling light isn’t just an art form or life skill; it’s necessary to get to where God wants to take us in this new season in life! I may pack lighter on my next trip after all.

"Lay your burdens at the Cross and don't carry the baggage anymore..."

 Beloved:

I have new journeys, new destinations, and experiences I want to take you on in this life. But if you’re holding onto emotional baggage and hurts, you’ll never get there. Let go of the offenses, memories, unforgiveness, and more. Bring any pain that weighs you down and lay them at the foot of My Cross. I will help you to forgive and to let go. And if you need help, seek Me for guidance and turn to spiritual help and My Word. Get rid of the old things or baggage that weighs you down so you can embrace the new.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” (Eph. 4:31)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Is. 43:19)