As you might imagine, it is a major undertaking to go anywhere with our large family, especially when that includes flying. The suitcases, backpacks, handbags, and whatever else we think we need are wheeled and carried with us into the airport in what my husband says looks and feels like having to herd a flock of pigeons.
The more we travel as a family, the more convinced we need to learn how to travel lighter! I'm not sure how those very calm and collected-looking people who travel with just one itty bitty carry-on bag fit everything in it, but it looks like a good idea when we are struggling through the check-in lines with our crazy amounts of luggage.
Sometimes we face hard things, and it's important that we are aware of our experience's effect on us both for good and evil. This is where traveling light not only relates to physical travel but also to how we travel through life. It's something I have been thinking about this week as I've faced dealing with difficult situations and people.
When we allow ourselves to get weighed down by unforgiveness, worries, and cares, it makes getting to where we are meant to be going and fulfilling the purposes that God has for our lives so much harder. The process and journey can even be delayed, or we can miss opportunities God planned for us because we are too busy struggling and being burdened with the excess "weight" of emotional, mental, spiritual, and even physical "baggage".
God's best for us is that we would be able to run freely through life, being guided by His presence and His Word, and available to be and go where He says. However, that sort of lifestyle is far more difficult or perhaps nigh impossible if we continually refuse or neglect to deal with the issues of our hearts and circumstances. We get so "bogged" down and exhausted from carrying all our "stuff" that we either don't hear Him, miss His promptings, or are too fearful or full of unbelief to act upon His leading.
Jesus, however, encourages us to come to Him when we are weary and heavy-laden so that He can lift those burdens off our backs. He then says for us to learn from Him how to live because His ways are lighter and easier.
He says, "Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28 -29)
Instead of carrying lots of heavy "baggage" today, take some time to examine your own life. Check in on the condition of your heart, your thoughts, emotions, and attitudes, and if necessary take some time to offload any unnecessary and harmful "weights" and then enjoy traveling through your day light and easy.
"Cast all your cares upon Jesus for He cares for you". (1 Peter 5:7)
Prayer: Lord, please help me be aware of my heart's condition and any issues that need dealing with in my life. I want to travel through life light and easy to be calm, collected, and full of energy for the journey. In Jesus name Amen