“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded (Emerson).
When we spent time together in “We All Need to Do a Little Unpacking” (Part I), we looked at the simple definition of unpack: let go and leave behind the unnecessary load.
It can also mean, “to remove the contents of; to unburden or reveal.”
I wrote, “Every time we left a place, I unloaded a little something.” It was critical that I unload or unpack my suitcase, because it was so heavy.
For goodness sakes, one taxi driver asked, “Do you have a corpse in here?
Ugh.
Something magical happened every time I unloaded my burden, i.e., the suitcase. It was lighter.
Sometimes, we need to unpack or unburden our mental or emotional suitcases.
I did a lot of that while away, as well.
Time away opens opportunity for time to think.
Today, I celebrate my 54th birthday. All week, one dominant thought has continued to cross my mind.
I am so grateful for all the people in my life who have loved me, helped me, supported me, and allowed me to “unpack” my heart with them.
People who, in Emerson’s words, “helped me breathe a little easier.”
Earlier this week, my daughter, Candace Rose, brought Emerson’s words to me. We spoke the day after I sent in a book proposal I’ve been pouring my heart into for months and months. It was a down day. Pouring down rain, chilly. There’s always a little let down after finishing a project, right? She was encouraging me that what’s most important in life is to make someone’s life better.
So today I am thinking and praying for all the special friends I’ve had over these 54 years who have shared their strength with me and loved me through some real tough times.
I honor you and hope that I can help others breathe easier this year. It is what I most love to do.
Maybe you know someone today who needs a little “friend oxygen.” Take a minute to listen. Take a minute to love. It will make all the difference.
Will do some unpacking with you through this next year. 🙂
Yes mam. You’ve done alot of packing and unpacking physically, that is for sure. Let’s UNPACK what God has for our ministries this year!
I travel….a great deal. I travel light. You never know when you might need to carry someone else’s baggage! 😉
Oh my Lord. You are STELLAR at quick responses. This is fabulous…..I’ve got use it. It is so true….you never know, do you?
Thank you for my birthday blessings, too. MUCH LOVE!
It’s what I do! 🙂
Love you!
Sherri
Sent from my iPhone
Yes mam. You do it WELL!
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
Finally I have found something which helped me.
Thanks a lot!
So glad it was helpful!