08 Dec A Bag for Every Season by Erin Cameneti
A few times each year, I like to trade in my purse for a new one. Sometimes I go smaller, and sometimes I go bigger. Let’s be honest… it’s usually BIGGER. My husband always jokes that I could survive for years stranded on a desert island with only the contents of my purse!
Today I decided to go with a smaller purse. Although it will be easier to carry and less stress on my back, I ran into some serious issues as I tried to squeeze my things into this new, sleeker back-friendly purse. I discovered my much needed wallet will not fit in its current overflowing, obese state. So, of course I cleaned that puppy out. Non-essentials were the first to go. First, dozens of receipts saved in the off chance that something would need returned, and dozens more that I had shoved in my wallet at the register when I didn’t know where else to put them. Next, I realized I could no longer carry my 30 different lip-gloss options for that “just in-case” moment. Not to mention my ginormous makeup bag, spare deodorant, body spray, sleeve of bobby pins, hair ties and full sized bottle of ibuprofen. Don’t judge.
I quickly found myself doubting my decision to go smaller; doubting the pro’s of this lighter, cuter purse. But in this moment of ‘what have I done?’ I had a moment of clarity. ’I will get used to this purse the same as I do every time. I will grieve my ragged, falling apart, ripped, old purse until I get used to the new, sleek, beautiful one I now have. But while I grieve all the things my old purse had that my new one doesn’t, I will begin to love and be thankful for the things my new purse offers.” Like less back pain.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything under heaven.”
Each bag has served me well in different seasons. Each purse had a purpose, offering something unique based on the needs during that time. The book-bag marked my years as a student, carrying heavy books that would give me knowledge to take throughout my life. The diaper bag toted essentials to take care of my babies so that they could grow into healthy humans. My suitcase enabling me to follow the call of God on my life. Each of these has marked a different season in my life. Each one very different, but equally as important as the last.
And I think that’s how God equips us to walk through each significant season of our spiritual journey as well.
Ecclesiastes 3:6 “…a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away…”
Maybe your current season is to carry a big bag with lots of essentials, searching for and keeping every bit of wisdom poured out to you from those who have been there before you. Maybe you’re gaining tools that will be needed for those “just-in-case” moments of life.
Maybe your current season is to carry a small bag, giving up things you have carried for years. Yes, there may be some grieving of the things you carried for so long, but you will find the beauty in this new, lighter load if you trust in him.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in it’s time. In every season, whatever it may be, remember that God makes each bag beautiful in its own way and in its time. Trust Him, and enjoy the journey!