Traveling Light

Wherever you are going, travel with a light heart.

Today is the first day of Thanksgiving Break for my kids. They are out of school for an entire week this year. This long break has given many families the chance to travel for the holiday. In fact, the day before Thanksgiving is supposed to be the busiest traveling day of the year.

I have never been one to pack lightly. I always over pack, thinking of all kinds of contingencies, from weather changes to every possible medical need my family may have. I mean, I pack Advil and Pepto-Bismol and Dramamine and Benadryl. I pack four or five pairs of shoes and many changes of undergarments.

Why do I pack all of this stuff? Well, first of all, I’ll blame my sweet mama. She is a notorious over packer, much to the dismay of my dad. He always claimed that we looked like the Clampett’s traveling up and down the road when I was growing up.

However, if I look deeper, it has to do with my need to be ready for anything. It’s a type of control. Do I really need all of that stuff for just a few days away from home?

When Jesus sent his disciples out, he told them to carry no money bag, knapsack or sandals with them. In other words, he told them to travel light. I wonder what the deeper meaning of that command may have been.

What kinds of things do we carry around in our hearts on this life journey? Just like the airlines charge for extra baggage these days, there’s a price we pay for carrying around negative baggage in our hearts.

The beginning of the holiday season is a perfect time to do a heart check because if we are carrying around that extra baggage, it can often be forced to come out at family get togethers when tensions can sometimes run high. So, now is a good time for us to seriously ask ourselves, if we are angry with anyone, (especially a family member), or are we carrying around a long time hurt or resentment towards anyone? Do we have unmet needs for approval from family or loved ones?

After some soul-searching, we need to prayerfully and intentionally give this baggage to God and ask for healing and peace. If we need to forgive, we can ask God for help. But, keep in mind, once we hand these things over, we have to leave them there and not try to pick them back up. It’s a no take backs deal.

Then, we can move forward into this season of thanksgiving with a heart that has room for love and joy and the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. We will have a heart that is no longer burdened with unnecessary baggage and then we make sure to keep it that way. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything that you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

I’m going to try to travel with a light heart this season. Then, maybe I’ll work on the physical luggage. 🙂  Anyone care to join me? Feel free to comment.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂