How to Pack

My wife packs lighter than anyone I know. This is handy for airplane flights, because she insists that each of us carries on all our luggage, even for long trips.

She is amused by our contemporaries, who come to the airport with lots of luggage that must be checked at the risk of being delayed and ruining a vacation.

She accomplishes light packing, not by continually wearing the same outfit—she astounds fellow travelers by the variety of her ensembles—rather by meticulous planning. When others justify overpacking by “I’d rather have it and not need it,” she thinks “I’d rather not need it and not pack it.” And better yet: “not check it.” Remarkably, she rarely fails to pack something she will need.

She shops with the same mentality, hardly ever buying something she won’t use. Nor does she suffer the vanity of having a stuffed closet. For her, a full closet signifies it’s time to clean out and give away. Consider this approach a proper way to pack long term.

What does the Bible say about packing? Jesus warns against greed, saying “… life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Lk 12: 15). He scoffs at building bigger barns to hold our increased possessions. Instead, He implores us to store up treasures in heaven (Mt 6:19). These treasures are divinely efficient: They provide for eternal trips and don’t need luggage to be carried. Nevertheless, they will be checked… by God. So, pack well.