I have a love-hate relationship with suitcases. We've been through a lot together. Their stickers reflect multiple International and domestic flights, flying here and there in our years of living abroad. I have packed and unpacked them hundreds of times, no doubt. Packed them with clothes folded neatly, tiny travel shampoo and body soap, souvenirs for loved ones at the other end of my journey. My trusty suitcases have been present for many happy arrivals, welcomed by family and friends at the airport. The unpacking gave way to settling and suitcases were put away for a season. Return trips required a re-packing of suitcases, when dirty clothes were stuffed back in, and unworn or clean clothes were tucked back in another. 

There were days when the thought of packing those suitcases one more time made me feel physically ill. 

Yes, packing and unpacking are essential parts of any journey. Perhaps for others, this simple fact doesn't carry much weight (pun intended). But for this girl, packing and unpacking have occurred on many levels and have become a vivid reminder of the reality of life and change. 

In every journey, we pack things, and carry them in the corners of our souls. Our journeys and our destinations change us, whether we are aware of it or not.  

And my Heavenly Father challenges me with this: Unpack. In all of your packing, don't forget to unpack. Unpacking involves wrestling with what has been packed. A willingness to deal with all that has been stuffed inside. A willful act of bringing it all to Him. 

My baggage is heavy, and I tire of carrying it alone. Dare I believe His burden is light?! I am learning that the hurt is healing, for in the hurt we recognize our need to unpack all we are not meant to carry. My gentle Father invites me to come to Him and unpack at His feet. He is not afraid of what I'll find hidden in the pockets or wadded in the corners of my soul. He longs to teach me His ways and give me rest.