Unpack Your Suitcase

One of my favorite things to do is travel with family and friends. Of course, I need to pack my bags according to where I’m going, what the weather will be like, if I’m flying or driving etc. Packing can be tedious at times but also exciting because the goal is to get to a fabulous destination for respite and relaxation.

Whether you go by auto, train, or plane, the more you pack, the more you often pay. A heavily loaded vehicle will use more gas. On a plane you are often restricted to a certain weight and if you go over the limit, it can become extremely expensive.

I have had the privilege of meeting many people from many places throughout my career in Real Estate and now, Community Relations. I enjoy having a cup of coffee with those who are willing to share their stories with me. Depending on how “deep” we go, we often talk of personal stories, successes and challenges in our lives.

One of the most difficult things I’ve come to realize is this: it is so easy to receive the “labels” the world tends to throw on us. It’s equally as easy to take on the stones that have been thrown by those who don’t care or desire to take the time understand our story.

God doesn’t see our failures. He sees our fingerprint. He created us for His divine purpose and doesn’t care about our shortcomings. He knows our weaknesses. His promises are true and in His Word, He reminds us that “we are washed, white as snow”…”he carries or burdens”…”come to Me, all who are weary”…”there will be trouble but take heart, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD…”

I had a vision of a suitcase…”the suitcase of life”. God has an incredible adventure for us. It’s a good plan, not easy but truly awesome. As a child, our suitcase is smaller and our parents only pack the essentials for what is needed. As we get older l, our suitcase gets bigger and also more cumbersome and heavy.

So is life. It’s a choice what we pack. The more labels and stones the world gives us, the heavier our suitcase gets. The heavier our suitcase is, the less chance we have of realizing the awesome plan and destiny God has designed especially for us. No one else.

One of the things I hate the most is unpacking from my time away. It’s hard. It doesn’t feel good because the excitement of the adventure is now behind me. Oftentimes, I have dirty clothing that needs washed and extra things I’ve collected on my journey as a token of remembrance. Imagine if I ignored the dirty laundry and everything inside because I didn’t have the energy to unpack it. So, the next time I went away, the suitcase would likely smell and there would be no way I’d want to add my clean and appropriate things for my new destination.

So is life. Unpacking “labels” and stones is heavy and hard. The awesome thing is: there is time. One day and one thing at a time. God will unpack it all with you! He did it for me! Recognizing the labels and stones is the first step. Write them down. For example if it’s “guilt”… why? What do you feel guilty about? Then make a list of everything you’ve believed about yourself.

I oftentimes feel bad concerning my physical state. This isn’t new for me. It started in my 20s with an “autoimmune disease” and diagnosis. Currently, I’m 52, and the pain of the physical symptoms at times could allow me to go back to the fear. The fear of dying I felt the day and months after my doctor said I would die of lupus and the disease would overcome my organs one at a time. Her harsh words have become part of my lifetime testimony! I unpacked them at the foot of the cross years ago and continually lay them at His feet when I don’t feel well.

His plans are GREAT! If I am not intentional and aware, the world will throw garbage in my suitcase that will keep me from moving towards my final destination…in His loving arms forever. I’m excited to get there. I want Him to say “well done”.

I write this blog today, praying and with full understanding what it’s like to unpack…Brutal…but 100% worth it. One thing, one day at a time.

Destination: Eternity🩷 No packing, unpacking, or suitcase required…