3 Ways to Unpack

(Photo cred:  Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)

Why is unpacking the pits?  There is all the anticipation of getting ready for a trip. And then it’s over. And while packing can be stressful at times, unpacking is the worst. Am I right?

Each time I unpack I question why I feel the need to bring SO much stuff on vacation. I mean, I get needing some choices, but three choices per day is a bit excessive. And come on, I NEVER wear those shoes so why now all of the sudden the urgency to bring that pair along?

What type of unpacker are you?  Are you the get-it-done-so-fast unpacker?  It doesn’t matter where all the stuff is put up as long as you can’t see it anymore.  Sound familiar?

Or are you the leave-it-sitting-for-weeks unpacker?  You might as well wait to use it or wear it before you put it up, right?  Plus, it’s all neat and tidy in that suitcase sitting in the corner.

Or maybe you are the take-your-time-and-do-it-right unpacker. You do the tough stuff now like wash and fold the clothes, and you go ahead and put away the million travel items you can’t leave home without. Is this you?  If so, I’m giving you a high five right now!🤚🏻

(Photo cred:  Me on my iPhone)

I started thinking about this as I stared at my unpacked suitcase  (one that is still sitting neatly in the corner). Unpacking is hard because there is work to be done. It takes extra time to do it well. Most times it requires a lot of washing and sorting before the items can be put back where they belong.

But isn’t this concept a lot like life?

What needs unpacking in your life?  What are you keeping stuffed neatly inside your “suitcase” because unpacking it might require work, be stressful, or even cause some anxiety?

This summer has been a time of unpacking for me (emotionally and not physically obviously). I’ve been looking inside myself and unfolding some wadded up mistruths about myself and my identity. It can be overwhelming at first and can certainly take way more time than shoving it in a corner, but the real truths I’m learning about me from God are oh so beautiful…and hard…but liberating!! 🙌🏻

Philippians 2:12-13

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

I am not alone. God is ready to help me clear out my suitcase and unpack some things.  But it’s my choice to get started. And from there, that’s where I must give control to God (fully) and allow Him to restore my soul and put my stuff in order, where it belongs…and not hidden in a suitcase.

He transforms me.  He gives me grace. He wants to use my life for His purpose. And He wants the same for you.

(Photo cred:  Andy Fitzsimon and Dan Gold on Unsplash)

What needs unpacking in your life?  Will you make the choice to start today?

Ashley

~Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”