On Packing

   Last night, Gabi and I began the process of packing. Since we are both preaching in worship on Sunday morning, we'll have just enough time to race home (carefully, and obeying all speed limits, of course) to pack up the car and head to the airport.

   It may sound strange, but packing is one of my favorite parts of travel. Packing is the first tangible sign of a journey, a ritual of anticipation and imagination. In sorting through clothes and necessities, I wonder: where will these particular shoes stand? What new memories will I capture with this camera? Do they have baby food in Jerusalem?

      Packing is about preparation -- and like most people, I want to feel prepared. It helps to give me a sense of control over the vulnerability of being far from home. Yet by now, I should probably know better. So often, the experiences that leave the deepest mark are those that slip past our expectations and preparations to take us by surprise. It's the gift of a dollar from a stranger in an airport to buy coffee; the laughter of getting caught and soaked in the rain; the conversation between travelers that feels more real and more important than a dozen distracted chats at home.

   God wanted this kind of conversation, this kind of relationship with humanity; so God entered in to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of the human world. Jesus truly lived and truly walked on earth; and now he is truly present with us wherever we live and walk. All lands are "holy" because all contain the presence of God. But it's also true that the Spirit enters our lives most powerfully today by breaking in, interrupting our everyday lives and thoughts, and shaking us (carefully, of course) into full awareness of God's living presence in us and the world around us.

   There is no way to "pack" for a life-changing experience. In some ways, what we don't pack is almost as important--it leaves a space for all that we will receive and carry forward into the rest of our lives.

Happy packing -- and "unpacking" -- to one and all!

Pastor Meghan

Comments

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=611710836]

Thanks for doing this blog! I can't wait to hear all the adventures! I'm the daughter of Clark and Toni Trapp. Ill be checking in regularly to hear how you all are doing and what is new! thanks again!

[William Dobias]

Hi Leslie - The blog is the result of a lot of work by a lot of people. We're happy that you found it and that you find it useful. I don't know if your comment was directed specifically at Pastor Meghan or not, but she is essentially out of the loop now, except for getting postings to the blog. I'm not sure that she sees comments to be able to respond, but I am sure she will when she returns.

Thanks again for your interest. Bill Dobias