I am a firm believer in having mottoes for life. One of mine is “Always have a bag packed.” The idea popped into my head one day as I was brainstorming story ideas–and I’ve worked towards it ever since.
I’m reminded of the Passover Seder, where participants are dressed in cloak and sandals–ready to depart as soon as God works their deliverance. I’ve always loved all the symbolism of the Passover–and this motto seemed to fit right in. I have my bag packed literally because I can never know when I might be offered the chance to travel on the fly. And I figuratively have my bag packed, ready to obey whenever God says “go”.
In the literal sense, I have a carry-on size suitcase that I carefully repack after each trip. It contains just what’s needed for a week-long excursion–or longer if you do laundry:
- 1 pair slacks
- 2 skirts
- 1 pair capris
- 1 versatile jumper
- 6 short sleeve knit tops
- 1 t-shirt
- 1 blazer
- 1 chiffon scarf
- 1 bandana
- 1 pair flip-flops
- underwear for a week
In addition, the main compartment contains:
- 2 Hankies
- Toilet paper
- Laundry bag
- Extra bags
- Feminine Products
The front pockets of the bag contain all the necessities of life:
- Sewing kit
- Mini first aid kit
- Toiletries
- Minimal makeup/hair stuff
- Pens/Notebook/Glue Stick/Notecards
- Plastic eating utensils
- Solar calculator
- Batteries
- Flashlight
It’s all ready so that all I have to do is grab my Bible, my meds, and any seasonal supplies (swimsuit or coat or whatever) and go. In case I’m headed out of the country, my passport and appropriate information is hidden away elsewhere in the house inside a travel wallet.
The figurative sense, the deeper sense, of the motto is a bit harder to do. I find myself growing attached to the things of this earth, comfortable with my church, my job, my home. I slip into complacency and collect thing after thing. But in the back of my mind, my motto reminds me: “At any time, God could call you away from all this. Are you ready to go?”
I’ve heard back from a family friend in Mexico. She confirms that she is still looking for someone to come down and tutor her 14 year old daughter. Am I ready to go? I’ll have to finagle a few things, jimmy a few details. I’ll have to take some time off work, maybe raise a wee bit of money. I’ll have to figure out how to get down there. But otherwise, I’m ready to go. The only thing to deal with is details–not whether I’ll be able to go. I’ve been working towards a schedule, a life, that will give me this freedom–the freedom to drop it all and answer the call of God.
So today, my first day back from a week in Illinois, I did my laundry and repacked my bag. I popped a Spanish tape in my car cassette player. My bag’s packed, Lord. Send me wherever You will.