What is in your bag?

Life is a journey! It starts with each of us heading into the unknown.  It has many turns, detours, delays, and stops.  At the start, our bag is packed by our parents, grandparents, carers or guardians.  This bag is packed with love, based on their experiences, perspective, and what they think we require.  
 
Many of us journey through life with this same bag that was packed for us at birth.  We encounter new seasons that invite us to experience varied adventures.  All these adventures will test us, especially when we discover that what was packed in the bag doesn't fit any longer.  We will question where we are going and who is on the journey with us.  We often complain, moan and grumble.  We will find that we are not content with what is in the bag.  
 
Then there are those of us who add to our bag as we face the seasons that greet us along the way. We purchase items and often also get items for free. This can be based on other people’s opinions and ideas of what is best or looks good on us and for us.  We seldom try things on for the right fit. Remember that one-size does not fit all.
 
Our bag is packed with the opinions, expectations, dreams, desires, anticipations, fears, experiences, values and so forth of others.  What exactly happens to our own desires, dreams, and fears...?  By now you possibly realise that the bag is possibly overweight for the journey.
 
Consider the following questions as you ponder the journey ahead from this day forward. 
•    Who packed my bag?
•    Whose bag am I carrying?
•    Do I have what I need for my journey?
•    Am I willing to sort through, unpack, and repack my bag? 
•  Am I willing to take a close look at what I need for this season and pack my bag appropriately?

Here is a short list of things we should ensure we have packed - kindness, hope, courage, faith and determination all wrapped up with love, ready for the adventure in the journey called life.