Ode to an Over-Packer

“Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals or walking stick.” (Mt 10:7-15)

It strikes me that God wants us to be free; free to speak the truth and to give with generous hearts, free to go where God wants us to go in order to proclaim, in our own unique way, that the Kingdom of God is now. We have so much baggage, literal and figurative: the many things we accumulate, the things that keep us comfortable, extra water, that great smelling lotion I love, extra clothing and some snacks, just in case. Coming from the world’s worst over-packer, I tend to approach it with a mindset of scarcity.

And then there’s “baggage.” This includes my overwhelming sense that I need to prove myself, my presumption that no one cares to hear what I have to say, my judgments toward others and foreboding sense of fear. Did I mention I tend to over-pack?

God seems to say, “Let  that stuff go, child. It will not serve you or me. I will provide for what you need. Only, be aware of the extra baggage that holds you back, the baggage that tells you that you couldn’t possibly have anything good or true to say to someone that needs to hear it, the baggage that demands you cling to your fears, your doubts, your feelings of unworthiness.”

Just walk forward. I will give you the words to speak. I, who created you and this world, even the entire cosmos, will continue to provide for you.