Packing Lists and Discipleship

In two days I embark on a journey to Africa and back as I lead a church group to western Kenya for ministry to orphaned children and villagers. This is a homecoming of sorts for me, having spent most of the 90's in east Africa. My role on this trip is primarily logistics & translation--ensure a positive and safe experience for team members and help translate to/from Swahili (my second language). While it is hard to be away from wife, family, and church for ten days, the appeal is strong of traveling back to Kenya and being permitted to see former students, sip the elixir of life called chai, and to generally savor the sights, smells, and sounds of African life in the raw.

My preparations for travel include crafting two lists--a 'to do' list and a 'to pack' list. The packing list includes all the expected items--passport, clothing (albeit in small numbers as I prefer to travel light), flashlight, meds, etc. As I examine my lists this morning I cannot help but reflect on the fact that they do not include the most important items. What I failed to scribble down on paper is really what transforms just another trip into a journey of impact. My list should enumerate the weightier items such as:
- my life purpose statement and how this trip connects to it
- my plans for caring for my family in my absence
- my strategy for ensuring the best care of my church members while I am far removed from them
- my approach to helping my grandchildren see these kinds of events as connected to a life surrendered to Christ and his purposes
- my goals for personal and spiritual growth while on this missional safari

Father, help me look beyond the immediate to the eternal in all that I undertake. Transform my 'packing lists' into preparation for and expressions of discipleship.

(photo by Bert Yates)