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What Are You Carrying?

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12

In the 19th Century, 138 English sailors decided to chart the Northwest Passage around the Canadian Arctic to the Pacific. It was to be the turning point in Arctic exploration. And it was, but not because they succeeded! It was because they perished that subsequent navigators learned this lesson - prepare for the journey! The voyage was projected to take two to three years, yet they carried only 12-day’s fuel and no suitable clothing. However, what they lacked in preparation they compensated for in entertainment. They had a 2,400-volume library, musical instruments, cut glass, china and silverware for everybody on board. Strangely they left better equipped for afternoon tea than for the Arctic. But stranger still, we do the same! We think little of our eternal destination, but make sure we’re entertained with plenty of ‘toys’ along the way. Listen: “Teach us how short our lives are that we may be wise.” (Psalm 90:12). It’s dangerous to assume you have more time. God’s given us clear instructions for the trip and told us what to bring: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23). His Word’s our map and His Spirit’s our compass. Listen: ‘‘He goes on ahead of them’’ (John 10:4). He’s even gone before us to mark the route and describe the landmarks. So, what are you carrying today? Material things? Don’t be deceived; they may matter now, but they won’t when you reach your destination. There, it’s not what you have, it’s Who you know. There, it’s being known by God!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me repack now as I prepare to start a new year, a new journey following you. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen