The thought of packing everything I’d need to live and work for a year into two 75-pound suitcases terrified me. I was preparing to depart for a year of service with the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program.
To make a long story short, dragging nearly 150 pounds of luggage through Heathrow Airport, through miles of terminals and train connections, was one of the most miserable experiences I’ve ever had has a traveler. Discovering how many things I could live without became an important part of this formative year in my Christian faith.
A keeper of the commandments once asked Jesus what he lacked in his faith and was told: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). In relying on my own efforts to plan ahead and prepare for everything, perhaps I’d forgotten to fully trust in God’s provision.
Scaling down my possessions allowed me to follow Jesus more closely that year. It continues to influence my intentional efforts to live simply to this day.
This message is excerpted from “Traveling light” by Vanessa Young in the September 2015 Gather magazine. Today is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost.
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