No wonder Jesus asked his disciples to “take nothing for your journey, no staff, no bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. (Luke 9)” Packing for the World Race has been… well, it’s been a struggle to say the least.
I’ve gotten so bogged down in making sure I didn’t forget anything, that I had everything that I might reasonably need in the next 11 months. I’ve read blog upon blog about what others racers have packed and what they’ve gotten rid of en route. I have spent hours debating the number of:
- tops to take (short sleeves, long sleeves, tank tops, T-shirts, cardigans – actually I just realized that I left that one in the dryer at home – sigh),
- bottoms to take (pants, shorts, capris, maxi skirts, short skirts, dresses, etc),
underwear (or underwears as Jules likes to say – and I have at least 20 by the way), - electronics (Kindle, iPad, GoPro, chargers, portable speaker, etc),
- medicines (ibuprofen, cold & flu, cough drops, things to make you poop, things to make you stop pooping, and don’t forget your malaria meds!).
- GoodNESS, I could go on and on.
Yesterday at 1am, as I was finally getting my bag packed (last minute of course!), my very good friend could see how stressed I was and tried to give me some wisdom. He very gingerly said,
“I’m only going to say this once… Isn’t part of this trip about learning to live without some of this stuff?”
I, of course, got defensive. How could he ask me that? Doesn’t he realize how much I am already giving up? My bed, a typical American toilet, running water for crying out loud! I didn’t respond well. “I AM,” I said, “I’m trying.” I essentially told him that at this point, he wasn’t being helpful with getting my bag packed.
It was utter disregard of my friend, and more, utter disregard for Jesus speaking to me through this incredibly loyal and kindhearted nonbeliever. Telling me exactly what he told his first disciples.
To my friend, I’m sorry. You were absolutely right! About so many things. To my Jesus, I’m sorry. Sometimes you don’t feel safe, especially as you draw me out of my comfort zone. And yet, you are always trustworthy.
I have a feeling that’s a confession and truth I’m going to be repeating a lot over the next 11 months. King Jesus, help me to remember that you provide for me in the most beautiful ways, if I just let you. I don’t even need two tunics.
