Wouldn't it be great if there was a magical packing machine where you entered:
a. Length of visit
b. Types of activities
c. Anticipated weather
.... and *POOF*
an itemized list of all things needed pops out. I'm not asking for too much here; I'm willing to DO the packing myself. I'm merely asking for a little clutter clearance (both in my brain and closet) so I can have the perfectly balanced packing: adequately prepared, with a few additional items if needed. The interchangeable accessories make the lightweight, savvy traveler complete.
Well, I'm not packing for a weekend, or even two weeks (which btw, I once packed for 2.5 week trip where I needed both professional and baseball attire in one tiny roller-board - that was a packing success!). I'm packing for 2.5 seasons and 6 months in Switzerland. I have late summer, fall, and winter to cover here! No one wants to be that ugly American; but you also don't want to be that bougie American who comes complete what matching toiletry bag.
15 sweaters
6 pairs of jeans
2 sweat shirts
1 pair of sweat pants
2 coats
7 skirts
18 "any weather" shirts
....
and I haven't even packed the running clothes
...
or the books! Oh the books! How do you choose?
As I'm packing for this adventure I've been dreaming of for about 3 years now I realize I have a strange affinity for red shirts (I think I have 10 in a seasonal variety!) and a whole lot of anxious emotions. Packing up my stuff means I need to unpack all these emotions.
Jordan, the fabulous fiance, and Stella, the wonder pup, are two daily constants that I have to say goodbye to. I'm wanting to pack them along with me, but also know packing your life up with a tiny little bow isn't the way this works. In life there are many layovers, detours, and destinations. Each place holds treasures of people and experiences who get to remain as you travel on. It also means you get to return to these places far richer for having left to live your own experiences, if only briefly.
Poet and minister Jan L. Richardson claims "complexity is a quality the soul needs in its journey." Like a rich red wine, or detailed Matisse, each body of work is far greater through the dance of subtle complexities. Each line supporting another, or flavor enhancing drink only makes for a fuller, richer experience. As my sadness of briefly leaving the ones I love mixes with my excitement over 6 months at Bossey, I at first only see complications. One blocks the other.
So as I think through what must be packed and what must be eliminated.
Lions and Tigers and Bears gloves - Yes
Regret over time lost with loved ones - No
There will always be something your missing, or a moment you didn't savor enough. There will also always be opportunities to grow, discoveries of God's splendor, and enriching experiences to cherish. Often times these moments happen simultaneously. Your spirit grows as it pushes against the newest complexity; and sometimes the complications reveal colorful complexities. It's easiest to see these in hindsight. I don't yet know what I'll find in this next adventure, but I can from my travels in life thus far, God's splendor will be revealed fully!
I know there will be complications along the way, such as a dreaded unending layover, but those are just things to live through to get to the next step. The rich complexity of life continues on.
But in the mean time, I'm also packing this as a moment to savor while I'm away.
There is no recipe for packing. When you love deeply and live thoroughly, there is also no way to travel lightly. Your heart is so full of the goodness of God, the goodness of others, that they travel with you. As lines cascade together creating enriching shadow and detail, the people and experiences of life create the treasures of God's complex world. I will journey through my time in Switzerland with a few less sweaters, but even more prepared because of the love that extends around the world. I'll take the gloves, the running shoes, the poetry books, and a passport to God's splendor. My soul is rich!
