first i packed a hospital bag; ready for that day i would touch you.
then i packed your diaper bag; ready for anything a day would bring.
even placed in there things to help you grow; toys and books that sing.
then i packed your lunch bag with preschool treats and little notes to get you through the change.
later i packed your backpack, making sure you’d be okay while away for an entire day. quarters for emergencies that need a cookie or some milk.
then we packed your sports gear, so that you wont get hurt. everything as the coach said, not less, not more.
we packed for vacations: some five star hotels, some tents in the woods.
i showed you to pack for the “unforseen” happenings, useful items like duct tape and safety pins, hold things together in a pinch. jumper cables in the car and emergency phone numbers in your cell.
we learned to pack our insides, too. our emotions and character needed to grow ready too.
we learned to pack for a big big life, where we have a part to give to. we learned that its far more than survival, although at times that seems the part.
we packed for sunday church, to learn about faith. we took our bible and our questions. we learned to give and to serve and we packed well, or so i thought?
a long way from the hospital bag, you are no longer “mine”. one step into 18, and you belong to the world.
the back pack part was easy, you learned it all so well. a fine man living on your own.
now today is sunday. and i know how it goes. kids come home from college. mom says did you “go to church?” -most smurk “no”? they think “why would i do that?” just to please you? mom, did you go?
it happens with the most faith filled. in understanding the life of Jesus, they see no need for someone to preach at them about sex and greed.
Did I help you pack beyond sunday? did i let you know what to take:
the Holy Sprirt, remember, is God always with you, inside you, like your conscience, He will
guide. He will comfort + give wisdom.
But ASK- and you will find.
The bible, its a good plan, in there you too will find, not preaching, not boring words, not outdated-read between the lines. It is the beautiful story of life. Of creation and the people plan you are. Its timeless in values that you may not find in pews.
Did i tell you its really not all for sunday, even though we made it a huge deal?
Its a moment by moment walk with the Spirit, He is real.
Serving others proved a good pack, its impact is so great. while you helped another you learned empathy and you too, now are truly great.
Serving others isnt just a hobby? a special sunday? giving your old stuff away.
Did i tell you it is worship? and that worship is not just a band? this is so confusing. bait and switch, where did adults get that plan?
Did i help you pack for sunday? or was it all too confused? was church a true picture of the way of Jesus lived out in each breath?
was there too much hype to see how we should be? was there too much noise about how many, how big?
was there too much focus on fun? was there any on how we are “to be one”?
did we help to ask questions? or just shove answers? and not show how?
now you drown in “truth” how are you to know?
did i pack discernment? oh my. where will this go?
did i pack love? its the one thing you will want.
not love like in silly songs, or billboards, or sex, or filling of desire?
love with out agenda, thats what real love is. it has no selfish motive. it is from you- to them. something you give. it is not usually easy. it is though, easily seen, its can even be felt by both giver and receiver the same.
its not a pushy, proud or loud. its not better than, sometimes it doesnt say amen.
it not a word filled way. its action. a true way.
it takes some respect and listening, patience and grace and time.
to keep it simple remember this: see people as made by God, and you will act from that fine.
if you can, hear my apology. i didnt help you pack for sunday. and sunday is today.
