I'm not really packing for my cruise. I'm not going on a cruise. And if you ever hear anyone say, "Donna's going on a cruise", they are either lying or somebody hit me over the head. I don't do water. Dang, I barely like to get in the tub. I do like the ocean but from a distance, in my chair, on the sand, with a book. That's it. Never getting on a cruise ship. Nope, never.
So this morning when my sweet friend called and asked what I was doing I said, "packing for my cruise". My sister-in-law would respond this way when I'd call her up and ask what she was doing. "Packing for my cruise", she'd say. She was really using the vacuum or dusting or doing dishes. "Packing for my cruise" just sounded better than housework.
My friends response was "huh", (she knows me). I had to explain that yes, I was packing for a trip but not a cruise. We are road trippin' with some friends tomorrow and where we are headed appears to be having lots and lots of rain. So, prayers would be greatly appreciated. Anyway there are a few very important things that I always take with me and keep within reach. Either in a carry-on on a plane, or just beside or behind me in the car. Since we are driving, and I'll be in the backseat with my friend so the guys can talk about driving and cars, and work, and music and stupid stuff like that, I can easily grab my special things as needed.
One such special thing is Mr. Fuzzit. (Charly and I named it this.) If you've ever traveled with me, you know I MUST have this. I can't go anywhere overnight with out it. This blanket saved my life traveling to Africa several years ago on those long freezing flights. Janet Anthony and I snuggled under him on a flight from Narobi to Zambia and slept quite peacefully. So he goes where I go.
I will also have my favorite Croc flipflops. (These too, have traveled to Africa.) Perfect shoes for everything. Um, I have them on right now. Then there is my travel bag. In said bag will be a couple (or more) books, my current crocheting project for Sacred Craft at church, a notebook for writing, my Ipad, my scripture writing guide and last but not least, God's word.
Do you every go anywhere without your bible? I can't imagine walking out the door on a trip without mine. It, of course, had two amazing trips to Africa. It trekked with me through the bush country and through impoverished city streets of some very poor African villages. It sustained me when I was heartbroken from what I saw. It was my guide for knowing what to do and say. It held me up when I was lonely and sad and afraid. It was my guide to helping those who were seeking a better path. It helped me to know how to pray for so many in need.
For Father's Day, I wrote my dad a letter thanking him for some of the things he had taught me over the years. The first thing I thanked him for was teaching me about Jesus. For teaching me about the bible and how to use it and live by it and treasure it's words. And I also told him that I hadn't always done that but it wasn't because he didn't teach me. He has read the bible through more than 45 times. (We think close to 50 now). I just can't imagine that. 50 times???? Really?? I won't even state my own practice here. Too embarrassing.
So, yes, my bible is going. As a matter of fact, I've already done my studying for the day and my scripture writing and it is safely packed for the trip. And I'll be able to grab it at any given moment.
This summer when you're "packing for your cruise", take yours. You'll need it.
