In the bible, the book of Mark 6:7-13 tells the story of how Jesus sent his twelve disciples in pairs for apostolic work. THEY ARE TO TRAVEL LIGHT. This scenario is different from that of other missionaries who usually travel with lots of baggage with them. To travel light means to travel with no food, no drink, no mat, and no money. Only a staff, sandals and a single tunic. The scripture recorded that the disciples were more focused and less distracted as they proclaimed the gospel with the integrity of word and deed, and their mission was successful.
This instruction of Jesus for His disciples to travel light was given to avoid anything that might slow them down or distract them from achieving their goals. It is common knowledge that too much luggage can weigh one down and cause travel delays in many ways. This analysis is applicable in real-life situations where travelling light can be valuable in many realms of life. It means having a light mind and disposition towards the things of life. It is the consciousness not to carry past mistakes, grudges, worries, fights, disagreements, and quarrels to the present.
The weight of unforgiveness, addiction, malice, rigid habits, gossip, hatred, back-biting, insecurities, bitterness and lots of other bad attitudes are too much to carry and too much of a distraction in life.
Again, the weight of certain attachments that are formed in some relationships, jobs, religious beliefs, fashion craze, and many other inconsequential things, especially to the extreme, are clogs to the wheels of one’s advancement in life.
Everything and anything we acquire in life, we can lose, including life itself. It feels light to put more time and pressure on staying alive and living a healthy life than being overburdened and anxious over some complexities that we create in life. Too much baggage weasels its way into making us believe that we need more than we do. No, we don’t. We need to travel light against notions that plague our daily lives and overfill our suitcases.
Travelling light means travelling smart. It means paying more attention to the true essence of living. It means not being unnecessarily worried over things and situations we can not change. It means overcoming fears and insecurities. It means overlooking distractions and concentrating on credible choices. It means having few but meaningful circles. It means limiting expectations and showing gratitude. It means editing the contents of our lives, our possessions, and our relationships. It means setting meaningful and realistic goals. It means praying fervently and trusting only God for the best. It generally means carrying only the physical, mental, and emotional luggage of the past that can help the future.
How light do you travel? Minimize your luggage weight. Minimize the stress. Minimize the burden. Have the freedom. Have the flexibility. Have an open mind. Have the simplicity to carry on in life. Have joy. Ease the mind, ease overthinking. Ease excess indulgence, and notice that your baggage is lighter by default. Life can be easier, more meaningful, more exciting, and more interesting if we travel light.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
