Thursday, July 31, 2014

Pack Lightly

Packing for the beach! My son and his wife are meeting us for a week at the beach. This time we even get to bring the dogs. So I am busy packing and filled with anticipation and joy. My kayak is already secured on top of the van, and the beach toys and chairs are already neatly tucked alongside the skim boards and boogie boards. Sand shovels are stowed as well. I am considering what wonderful sand sculpture we should do this year. Last beach trip, I overpacked. I used not even a third of the clothes I brought. This is almost always the case. I carry too much baggage.

God nudged me about this issue. It is unfortunately true of my life in general. Instead of letting go of the worries that tend to choke the joy out of today, I hang on. I pack far more worry and angst in my little head than is of any use, and is a very heavy burden. Why do I do this? I gave my life to Jesus 30 years ago. I know He washed away my sin, and I am free, eternally loved, and spotless in His sight. Why do I keep repacking all that useless crud and strap it to my weary back?

I don't know about you, but I need continual reminders to pack lightly. Let the burdens of the past go. It is so much easier to travel with just a day pack, and God has promised that today's burdens are all we need consider.

I am consciously packing lightly for this trip.  When I arrive, it will take no time at all to unpack and rush to the restorative peace of the ocean that stretches like eternity to the blue horizon.
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Psalm 55:22 

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 11:28-29 

Come to me, all 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.

Hebrews 12:1 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Galatians 6:1-3

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

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