Traveling Light

We brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

1 Timothy 6:7

As Sweet Monday has grown as a ministry, my travel schedule has grown. I used to lug a heavy bag with numerous outfits in a variety of colors, along with separate jewelry and shoes to match each ensemble. Needless to say, I grew weary of the backaches caused by lugging so much gear.

Over the years I have improved my packing strategy a little. I’ve implemented travel tips from other women like you. I’ve learned to wear my heaviest items, such as jeans and a coat, instead of putting them in my carry-on. I try to choose one color scheme (like black, white, and pink) for my outfits, and I make sure every item matches at least one or two other things in my case.

And shoes? If I can get away with taking only the ones I wear, then my suitcase is a lot lighter. Can you believe one pair of brown boots carried me all the way through my speaking responsibilities at a sweet retreat in Hershey, Pennsylvania? I looked like a Hershey bar all weekend, but having lighter luggage was worth the monochromatic wardrobe.

In addition to enjoying a lighter suitcase, I simply feel good changing bad habits. The lighter luggage also reminds me that I can’t carry anything with me into heaven, so I’d better make room for Jesus in my life. I want my heart to be full of everything that only He can give me—His Spirit, His love, truth, grace, and all the sweet spiritual fruit.

There will be no heavy suitcases in heaven! Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to check luggage to enter? This eternal trip means privileged travel for all believers; it requires no packing, no porters, no suitcases, no standing in security lines. I get excited just thinking about it!

As believers in Christ, we can travel through this life knowing the hope of our ultimate destination is in sight. If the burdens of this life are weighing us down, we can give them to God to carry for us. Now that’s traveling light!

No more packing those burdens, either here or for eternity. Let’s drop them on Him and pack His presence and His promises of a glorious future into our bags.