Are You Ready

You know the routine - you make a list, think of everything you need for your trip. Then you sit on it, to think what else you might need.

It's easier for trips like Florida - if you forget something you have a car and can head to a store. In cities you fly to it's a little harder but even in Europe you can get most anything you need (pictures help in Europe!)

But cycling trips are harder. Not only are you more isolated, you need so many unique and specific items.

So you make your list, cross check it, pack, it doesn't fit so pack again. And still inevitably forget something important (Jim forgot his underwear last weekend!) that you really need.

And the house: plants to water, refrigerator to clear, birds and neighbor cats to feed, trash to take out. There is a lot to remember.

You know you're ready. You've done everything, you've checked your list, double checked everything. You are READY!

And yet you worry. You doubt. You re-think your plan. You don't trust your list. You know you are ready, yet you worry and fret.

I think dying is like that. My friend Xen is a strong Christian and is not afraid, almost welcomes death. Dad was also a strong Christian and knew the awards waiting him. But even Dad had time to wonder, ponder, and perhaps even worry.

But I think it's human nature - to know both in your head and heart - but also to worry and doubt. It seems so simple the further out you are - seems so neat and clean. Like traveling - you make your list and follow through. It's as the trip gets closer that you wonder.

Did I do enough?
Did I remember everything?
Did I do it right?

I want to say I won't worry, that I won't question, maybe even doubt. Experience tells me otherwise.

Fortunately I don't have to count on myself.

Because of Grace I don't have to worry.

I'll be ready.

Now my trip? I'll know when I get there!