Then, I take their little outfits a place that well folded underwear between the shirt and shorts. There. Perfect. 4 outfits per day oughta do it! That's about how many I end up packing. I always over pack.
Women know how to pack.
Now, when it comes to packing, men don't do such a shabby job either. They can fit their entire wardrobe inside the toiletry bag. I've seen my husband fold something up so tight that a sheet of paper wouldn't make the cut to get in the bag. If he doesn't need it, it doesn't go in the bag.
For camping, however, there's a twist. Growing up in my family something always got on the packing list that was maybe used once. Here's a few I can remember...
Mountain Bike
Telescope
Computer (before there were laptops)
Canoe
Kayak
That's just my dad's style. However, there were always the things we did use.
Tent
Sleeping bags
Ice Chests
Blankets
Pillows
Crayons
Paper
Toys
We had SO much stuff when we'd hit the road for Yellowstone. You could count on Neil Diamond and John Denver to sing us there the entire way. We could really crank out the 8 tracks. (I'm showing my age).
Packing. Baggage. Some are big. Some are small. Some are cumbersome. Some are unbearable. Unless you live in the untamed places of the world, camping bags are not needed for every day life.
And so it is if you are a follower of Christ. You were not created to carry emotional baggage that leaves you weary, heavy, tired, angry, bitter, or lonely. Over the next few days we'll be unpacking some of those bags. I'll give you the 9 pieces right now, and we'll unpack the first one today.
1. Picture your biggest suitcase.
2. Shoe bag (every girl gots ta have her shoe bag)
3. Toiletries
4. Swim suit bag (ugh!)
5. Backpack
6. Handbag
7. Tent
8. A camp kitchen
9. Sleeping bag
Grab your biggest suitcase and start mentally filling it up with clothes. The more clothes the heavier it gets. Before you know it, when you start unpacking it, you can't decide what to wear. Nothing fits right. Nothing looks good. It either hangs too big, or it's too tight. Regardless you wear it. And wear it.
And wear it.
And wear it.
You, my friend, have just opened the suitcase of guilt.
I recently posted about this on my personal blog. I was making the point that too often I walk around in guilt. Not because of sin, although I've worn those clothes out to pieces, but because I thought there was some sort of expectation I was supposed to be living up to. And I'm not referring to being changed into the image of Christ.
No, I had set up a list of things that I was supposed to be living up to. And since I wasn't, I was layering myself in guilt.
I don't exercise enough ---tight jeans
I don't love on my kids enough----shirt of selfishness
I don't make time for my husband enough -----t-shirt instead of teddy (wink wink)
I don't pray enough----coat of busyness
I don't do this or that----I just pile layer after layer of guilt upon myself like worn out old clothes. And then I walked around wearing them!
That piece of luggage, the one full of guilt, the one full of guilt ridden clothes has got to be thrown out! And throw it out IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
Galatians 5:1 says:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.You are free to live your life guilt free! Find out what pleases the Lord and live it! I can tell you right now what pleases Him...faith. Have faith in the one who has set you free, even from your own definitions and expectations. Of course, live with honor and responsibility, but do it for His glory and for His praise! Enjoy being who you are in Christ. Enjoy living your life guilt free.
Guilt free from expectations.
Guilt free from sin!
Guilt free!
He didn't die so that we could carry the heavy bag of guilt! Rest dear one. Rest in Him and let Him fill you with His Spirit to be everything you need and want to be!
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29