Assisi
We, my husband and I, are going to a land far away. To a far away land where a man lived long ago is where we are going—Assisi, Italy. Perhaps you, too, are familiar with St. Francis. He’s the guy who cast off his very clothes, and walked away from it all to better serve our Lord. It was His calling, and He obeyed.
The Prayer of St. Francis has forever been one of my favorites and no doubt it may top your list.
You know the one. “Make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; and where there‘s doubt, true faith in You; where there is despair in life, let me bring hope; where there is darkness, only Light; and where there’s sadness, ever joy. Oh Master grant that I may never seek, so much to be consoled as to console… to be understood as to understand… for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it’s dying we are born to eternal life.” The gist of it is that He is the bringer of it all and it resonates within each time the words are read, or sung, or spoken.
St. Francis has always been someone I’ve admired as he literally walked away from his stuff and followed. Never did I think I’d be able to stand in the town square in where he walked away from the life he knew, into a life of pure hearted obedience.
So, how does one prepare to go to a place where a man did as he did—and set aside the distractions of the world? How does one prepare for a retreat in the country which beckons come tarry?
Well, let me tell you how the preparations are going so far. First, I went into TJ MAXX and purchased one of those snappy suitcases. You know, the carry on ones made of harder material so the tossing around won’t crush the stuff stuffed into it. I only purchased one for my husband as next month I will budget one for myself.
Why do we need snappy little suitcases? We chose to travel accordingly because we don’t want to check our baggage. No, we like to carry our baggage wherever we go—in more ways than one. That way, there’s a lesser chance of us losing our stuff.
Next, I purchased special items for the trip. I bought a pair or two of lightweight pants and shirts and sweaters so when I finally get my suitcase I can squeeze as much into it as possible. I splurged on a few other things as well. After all, this is a once in a lifetime trip which will include walking, traveling by train, and who knows what. One must be prepared you know.
I know I will better proclaim His name wherever I go just as long as I have my comfort zone of stuff along with—you know— to provide comfort when I’m feeling uncomfortable.
So let me add this up and see if it makes sense. So far—I needed more stuff to go see a place where a man lived who had no stuff. His humble brown attire met his needs and served him well as he served others. He spent no time in stores, yet restored not only places but souls while living the Gospel.
Matt. 6:31 offers a reminder of His promises. “Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ Or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God...”
By the time you read this, the trip will be just weeks away and I can’t wait to share with you a little about it when I return. Amen.
