Things We Leave Behind

So what exactly does one pack when she has 100 lbs of luggage space in which to move her life around the globe? I have no idea. I've never done it before. But in little less than a week, I will do it. So I suppose I'd better get started. Let's see...toothpaste! I hear that cappucino-flavored toothpaste is all the rage in Egypt...I am quite partial to minty freshness, so I think three tubes will hold me for awhile! Kitchen utensils - I love to cook, so I was advised to bring a few hard-to-find items such as: wooden spoons, measuring cups, a vegetable peeler, and a selection of easy-to-use seasonings (taco, Ranch, italian, and Lawry's!). Sunscreen! I'll be in the desert, you know. Journals. To record every detail of my life in the land of Cleopatra and camels. Deodorant. Because it's hot there. And because I hear the selections available to me there are all strangely reminiscent of B.O...eww. Crystal Light. Nice to have for hospitality opportunities. Phase 10. Because I REALLY like games. 72 oz of semisweet morsels. Because....I have no idea. There is no good reason to have 4.5 lbs of chocolate morsels. Except they only come in big bags at Sam's, and they are cheap at Sam's, and perhaps I could bless my teammates with chocolate chip cookies. Lots and lots of chocolate chip cookies. CHACOS! Because they are my favorite shoes ever! And you can wear them anywhere, for any reason. Of course I'll take over some important things like clothes. They are rather necessary. You don't need pictures of that. But my most treasured possessions? Books. I love them. Below are a few favorite titles which will make into my suitcase whether or not there is enough room for clothing.

As I began the process of deciding what to take and what to leave, I went through all of my possessions and created four piles: pack, store, throw away, and give away. It is astonishing to realize just how much 'stuff' I have accumulated over the years. Even more astonishing than the amount of stuff is the amount of unnecessary stuff. I've been studying the Sermon on the Mount recently. Jesus made some pretty radical statements. Such as "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...but store up treasures in Heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." In light of the boxes and crates of stuff that I've thrown and given away, this thought is convicting. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I don't want my heart set on the things of this world. Jesus is my treasure, and that's where I want my heart to be. So that measly 100 lb weight limit? That's ok. Because my "things" aren't my treasures. My treasure is Jesus, and He has promised to be with me wherever I go.

We show a love for the world in our lives
by worshiping goods we posses
Jesus says lay all your treasures aside
"Love God above all the rest"

'Cause when we say 'no'
to the things of the world
We open our hearts
to the love of the Lord and
It's hard to imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind
~Michael Card~