When we go on a journey, we take many things with us.  We all carry things that we think we need, will need, and just things that we think we have to carry.  Have you ever gone to the beach only to see those who have brought everything from home with them?  The tents, the chairs, coolers, radios, umbrellas, barbecues, anything and everything.  How about the backpacking trip where we have these huge burdens that we carry as we go up and down the trail?  

     A current activity that encourages traveling light is “Fastpacking.” Kate Siber, in this months Trail Runner, quotes Agnes Stowe who says, The point of  going lighter is to be able to go farther, faster, or just to enjoy yourself more.  The concept of being more nimble and responsive is not new.  The author of Hebrews writes,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

     God is telling us to drop the weight.  His desire is that we too become more responsive and agile in our faith.  Able to move and travel the distance that God calls each one of us to.  We carry many things on our spiritual journey that slow us down, and in some cases make it almost impossible to move and go, as God wills.  Spend some time this weekend, and see what you can put aside to travel lighter.  Cut the extras and choose what is important and necessary that you will carry.

     What have you been carrying that needs to be put down?  What slows your progress on the trail?  What has been keeping you from noticing and enjoying your journey with God?

Picture: The Battle for the Title of “Karyada King”, by MVI