What can you not do without?

Well this morning I am packing my bag for a few days away and it is interesting to go thorough the things I feel I need to take as I would struggle or not be able to do my normal things without. First off on to the pile of things to be packed was my netbook, myriad charging adaptors, my e-book and ipod. To this pile I added two books, 3 pairs of shoes, two decks of cards and my cornet. Once all of these were on the pile I considersed how much room I had left and therefore what clothes this allows me to take with me and therefore what I will be wearing, regardless of the weather, for the few days I am away.

While I was doing this I was thinking about the many various things that become important to us in our lives and how sometimes meaningless things end up becoming very important in our lives. In real terms there is no need for all of the electrical equipment that I "feel" the need to take with me, I can live without it. In reality I could make do with just one pair of shoes and do without a deck of cards for a few days, although with a big poker game coming up at the weekend and my card handling skills being rusty I do need the practice.

However there were two things that got packed under the essential items that did make me a little happier about myself. Two books, two solid, real books, made with paper and always available if ever I want to read them, two books that in reality I should not be without on my mini holiday. The two books were, 1) My Bible and 2) my daily devotions book. And when I realised I had placed these into my essentials pile I did feel a little better that although I had grouped together all of these superfluous things these two books have become so much a part of my life that they do go with me on my travels. It shows me that because these books were packed without really thinking about it that they are working their way into my life more, God is starting to get into the areas of my life that I had previously denied Him access to. I don't know about anyone else but this encourages me and fills me with hope that the future holds a much closer relationship with God, all I have to do is continue to be open to His advances.