On Packing
August 20th, 2008 by ToniIn one of my first acting classes the professor assigned this improv exercise. “You are going on a trip - a week long cruise. Pantomime packing in a way that represents your personality.” It seems I was the fifth or sixth student perform but I could have easily gone first. I knew exactly what I would do for I had (up to that point) always packed for a trip in exactly the same way. Sitting quietly for several minutes with a notepad close at hand I’d jot down a packing list. Then, trusting the list as gospel, I’d pull out each outfit and miscellaneous item arranging them on my bed by expected day of use. Once satisfied with the groupings I’d carefully pack everything into a bag and sit it by the door. All of this would, of course, be done at least one if not two days ahead of the actual trip. And I’d never - ever stay up late the night before.
My, oh my, how things change. Tomorrow Today we leave for our first real family vacation ever. (We’re spending 3 days here.) Of the four people going, I am responsible to pack for three of them yet there is no bag sitting patiently by the front door. Instead between all the “Honey, can you…?”s and “Mama, I need…”s, I spent the day clearing out my inbox and the evening playing this game and this one too. It will be just past midnight when I click the publish button but I am not worried. I know things will turn out well because they always do and that’s the real change. The young me that packed so systematically did so out of fear and worry and because she felt compelled to control every detail lest life try to move forward without her permission. The now me accepts that life always moves forward and riding the flow is so much more enjoyable … not to mention more exciting.
Oh, I hope you all have fun! It looks like a great place.
Greetings Toni and Will !!!!!!! it’s been too many years! But I’ll have you know, it was because of the two of you that “What a Wonderful World” was played as I walked down the aisle to be wed my sweet sweet husband. I stumbled across your site on a google search for birth related images….I can’t begin to know the reasoning or God’s timing, but I’m delighted to reconnect. In case this is all a bit too much of a blur, I’m Bryan Day’s friend from Nashville…the one to whom he was briefly “engaged” which we all realized was not a good idea!
Please visit my myspace page for tidbits of my life and pics of my precious family. I have to get my work done (working on a worship countdown based on Ecclesiastes…) but I’ll be back to read more….your site is like happening upon a clearing with a cool pond and a bench inviting someone to come stop awhile and just breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the day. My poor husband couldn’t understand why I was in tears telling him about your site and finding it…but they are tears of joy that you’ve been so blessed by God’s graciousness and the steadfastness of your love for one another. Sorry……my comment has NOTHING to do with packing!!!! 
Peace and greetings from our family in Ohio, with fond memories of our youth, Will’s summer in Nashville, and a lovely Oklahoma wedding!
When we were in college, your being a perfectionist gave me the freedom to NOT be one. And, interestingly enough, now that we’re moms, your NOT being a perfectionist shows me that I don’t have to be one to be a good mom. If no one else gets that I know you will. Thanks for being my insipiration!
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