Now you shall eat it in this way: with your garment belted around your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in a hurry—it is the LORD’S Passover.

-- Exodus 12:11

Reflection
After decades of traveling as a road warrior for business, my carry-on bag was always in some state of ready. Long before a requirement, my toiletries were of modest size and everything fit in a particular place. My wardrobe consisted of clothing that traveled well, albeit with boring combinations, allowing me to be away from home for extended periods of time.

I was always ready to leave…and that also implied I was rarely ready to nest.

When home for weeks on end, I realized what I was missing. Such travel precluded me from enrolling in classes, joining a book club with any confidence of establishing intimacy, or any other activity that obligated me or would potentially disappoint others if I rescheduled.

Home implies people and relationships. If forced to leave my home now, as long as I have my contacts list and access to those I love, I’m good.

Those Israelites had no experience with carry-on luggage and yet when forced to quickly leave, they carried with them the essentials to life – relationships with one another, memories of God’s covenant, and confidence in God’s promised future. We give thanks they carried with them these stories and model what it means to carry only the essentials.

-- Jo Forrest

Questions
Have you ever had to leave your home quickly?
If so, what did you take? If not, if you were forced to flee your home , what would you take with you?

Prayer
God, you called your people out of oppression and slavery to make the long, arduous journey to the promised land of freedom and safety. For all of your children we ask that you would grant safety, give respite and make for them places of welcome, bring us all to your promised place where everyone has enough and hurt and destruction are no more. Amen.