Heading West

In two days we fly to Reno, Nevada. We'll rent a car and drive over the Sierra Nevada Mt. range into northern California. We'll arrive in the quaint mountain town of Grass Valley. Sounds like a nice place, huh? Well, it is. My brother and sister-in-law live there.

My mind races to the great memories we'll make while on this two week trip to my old stomping grounds. (we: me, my husband and two boys). The place where I grew up, well, kinda. Redding, California. I moved to Pennsylvania 17 years ago this month. I was so very young. Many people ask me "how the heck did you end up here from California? And WHY?" That is a story for another post...but what I'd like to think about right now is my half filled suitcase laying on the floor in front of me.

I'm attempting to share a suitcase with my husband. I've left him half of it - my half is already fat and bloated. I look at it right now and wonder if I need all those clothes? It's so freaking HOT in Redding, I won't need to wear much, so why pack all that stuff? Shirts/tanks: CHECK. Shorts: CHECK. Undies: CHECK. Bathing Suit: CHECK. One pair of pants and sweatshirt, just in case: CHECK. And that overfills my share of the suitcase.

I don't get to see my family very often. However, I was blessed to have taken my boys out there in 2005 for a nice visit. This year, it's the Smith Family Reunion. (Yes, my maiden name is Smith). This time me and the boys are bringing my husband for the first time! Should be great fun.

Why bring all those clothes? My family is not excited about seeing my clothes. They are excited to see me! And David. And Tyler. And Evan. Maybe I think they'll be impressed with my clothing choices from Target and Bon Ton. Or with the few pounds I've lost since I was out to visit last. Vanity, I tell you. I'm so vain!

God doesn't really care about our clothes. He doesn't care much for any of the stuff we have, really. He cares about what the human eye can not see...our heart. The person within. The love and character we have. I should be more concerned about my inside appearance than my outside appearance. It's the inside, the heart, that matter most - no matter what I'm wearing.

Back to my suitcase. Maybe I should do some unpacking of "stuff" and spend more time packing my soul with things of God: prayer, silence, loving others, kindness, honesty, laughter, hugs, a well placed smile, gentleness, and humility.

I can't wait to see my California family - I can't wait for them to see my boys and how they've up in two summers. I can't wait to introduce my husband to the city I have fond memories of. I can't wait to hug my grams. I can only hope that my California family notices Jesus in me more than they notice my clothing. Which will I "wear" more proudly???