PACKING
It’s time to pack the suitcase for ministry to women in Haiti. Decisions are being made as to what will be the most important to take, what will be needed, and what needs to be left behind. And I smile. For all I can think of is You, dear Lord, Your Holy Spirit living in us, and Your word to us. And I smile. I allow myself to worry needlessly over what “might happen” and then I stop and smile over the silliness of over thinking. You brought us this far, dear Lord. You are in control. And I smile, again, as I continue to pack. 

I think as I pack…No matter who you are or what you do, if you believe that Jesus died for your sin and you accept Him as Your Lord, then Christ lives in you! And you are not alone in trying to live the life that pleases God! “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what please him.” (Phil 2:13)

I think of the quote by missionary, Elisabeth Elliot, “The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman. For I have accepted God’s idea of me, and my whole life is an offering back to Him of all that I am, and all that He wants me to be.” All that I am, just as I am, with a willing heart to be more and grow in Him.

I smile as I think about what God has told us to pack and wear in this journey of life here…”So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, WEAR LOVE. It’s your basic, all purpose garment.” (Col 3)

And I smile. This suitcase will be a lot lighter if I listen to what God wants me to wear! Now, I’m thinking of all those things I need to leave behind!

Dear Heavenly Father, As we daily pack our bags and backpacks for the journey of the every day on this earth, may we wear love, Your kind of love that runs deep full of mercy and grace. Lord, here I am, take me just as I am and transform me to be what YOU want me to be. In Jesus Name, Amen