Maybe if I was an English woman named Mary…
How many things can you really fit into one backpack?
Answer: Not as many things as you want.
How many things do you really need to fit into one backpack?
Answer: Not as many things as you think.
……………………………………………………………………………..
I’ve already packed my gear three times, not including Training Camp, and I’ve still got two (looonnng) weeks before launch. Other than highlighting my planning obsession, the packing process has magnified how much “stuff” I call “mine.” Honestly, it put a pit in my stomach.
Amazingly, I already voluntarily reduced the amount of clothes I’ll be toting around next year. I’m learning to drop the mental / emotional / confidence attachment to clothing and appearance. After all, don’t I dislike consumerism? And the constant self-image media-messaging? Haven’t I already met smiling, happy people around the world who’s belongings wouldn’t even fill my pack? And we all remember that high school play, “You Can’t Take It With You.“
I still believe in cleanliness, color, fun clothes, a little sparkle to make you smile, modesty, and celebrating culture. But we should not be defined by our belongings, their labels, the stores we can or can’t afford, never being caught in the same outfit twice, or even wearing the same outfit as someone else. This is a battle of the ages regarding the worth we place on each other, but God has continually told us a different message that breeds more love and less judgment.
Let us invest our monetary resources into “stuff” that is actually doing more than looking pretty on a hanger 360 days of the year.
Make a memory.
Give to charity.
Invest in medical research.
Aid disaster relief.
Support global missions.
My apologies to all of the World Racers who hoped I’d include a packing list. I suggest test-packing and having non-negotiables. My non-negotiables are good deodorant, chapstick, and hair-wraps. These make me happy!
