traveling light

I just returned from a quick trip back to where I grew up in WV.

 I’m the queen of over packing because every time the five of us go somewhere, there is just so much to take.  You never know when one of the girls is going to jump or fall in a mud puddle and need an extra pair of jeans or if someone is going to spill a milkshake down the front of their shirt.  I also try to pack as many things as I can to occupy the girls in many different situations.

 This time, I traveled back to WV by myself and was so surprised at how little I needed to take.  It was only a two-day trip, but it was unexpectedly nice to get everything into a fairly empty backpack and a carryon.   It was so nice to travel light.

 I headed home to WV to be with my family as we celebrated my sweet Papaw’s life.  He died on Sunday morning.

 Papaw and I were buds.  I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with him (and Mamaw, too) as I was growing up, and I even lived with them a little bit right after college when I was teaching in WV.  I already miss him, but I’m incredibly thankful for a sweet relationship with a very special man.  I’ll think of him often, but especially on our birthday.  I was born on his birthday and have always treasured sharing it with him.

 The main reason I traveled light on this trip is that my sweet Papaw, after decades of prayer, chose to follow Jesus before he died.  I’m incredibly thankful that I don’t have to say a final goodbye.  I will see him again.  My heart is sad, but my spirit is light.

See you later, Papaw.  I love you and miss you and am oh. so. grateful for all of our time together.