When I found out that we would be headed to India for the parent trip, I was slightly dismayed. When I found out the only luggage we could bring was a carry-on, i wanted to bawl like a baby. There was no way. When I pack, I prepare for EVERYTHING. I am a hairstylist. Where was the hairdryer and hair product going to go? What if we were going swimming? to a black tie affair? or perhaps I would need another forty seven outfits in case that one gets dirty? Would the lamp and the dog fit? Anxiety and fear permeate me during these preparations. Lord, can one more thing fit? BUT, I was going to see HALEY!
I was going to get a taste of what my daughter had walked through for the last 7 months. Excitement and fear are hand in hand at this point. And then she gives me her list of things to bring. Wait, what? Where is this going to go? We were going to be gone almost 2 weeks, in a carry on and I was adding more. Just ask my husband, the week before we leave to go anywhere, I can be a handful. My bags are heavy. But,I was going to see HALEY.
I remembered back on watching Haley pack to leave. I remembered some things being taken out and not being put back in. I remembered her making the choices of what goes or what stays and not understanding some of the decisions. I remember thinking I was glad that it was not me, until now. This is the moment that I felt myself beginning to press into God in a way that I had never before done. As I used the physical items in my bag for the week, I began to realize that I was going to be ok. I began to see how my fear of not being comfortable and anxiety were always thrown into the baggage. I had a choice. “Come to me all who are weary burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:29
I brought my bag and laid it at his feet. What I found packed in that carryon were freedom,and a peace that I did not understand. Each one tenderly put there by my loving Heavenly Father, to be pulled out of that bag and I wore them on my heart as a garment of praise. It had been some time since my heart had felt this light.
My words don’t even feel adequate. It is so easy to pack so many things that are not of God in our lives. It is so easy to just be burdened with junk. It is, however, quite funny to me that He took me around the world to remind me that I did not need to go through baggage claim. I left most of what was in that bag in India also.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Peace and pickle juice-
Heather Walker
p.s.
stay tuned for the lighter side and personal bloopers of the trip.
