“Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.”

– Theodore Roethke

When I take a trip, I like to be prepared.  I suppose it is something that I learned from traveling with my parents when I was a child.  Suppose it rains.  I might need a raincoat.  It’s the middle of summer and we’re going to the beach, but there could be a cold snap — I’d better bring a sweater, or maybe two.  I am a great list maker; and by the time I would pack two adults and multiple children for a week-long trip, it might appear that we needed a moving van rather than a rooftop carrier to bring all the supplies that my mind thought we needed for the various scenarios  that just might happen.

When we embark on a trip that strays from daily routine, there can be a tendency to plan for a multitude of trips rather than begin traveling and following where the road leads us.  Part of the excitement of blazing a trail to a new destination is the adventure we find along the way.  Our personal journey through life is no different.  We can travel one step at a time and enjoy the sights along the way, or we can become so invested in planning that we forget to embrace the living that comes our way.  The way over the mountain may not be visible from the valley; but it is certain that when we arrive at the start of the path, we will be able to see where to step.  Step by step, adventure by adventure, surprise by surprise, we are able to navigate to places that seemed unreachable when we strained to see the entire route we might travel.

Why is it that we overthink and overplan and overpack for our travels?  The only answer I could think of was, “fear.”  We are afraid that the good things we assume will happen on our trip will fall away and that there will be unforeseen obstacles in our way.  We are afraid that we will not be able to navigate without extra supplies.  As one who likes to hike, I can tell you that taking too many things can make your pack heavy.  It slows you down and makes walking difficult — especially when the terrain becomes rugged.

What I have learned from family trips to the beach is this:  Even though I pack for every possible scenario, the truth is that for an entire week my kids lived in their swimsuits, their pajamas, one pair of jeans, and possibly a sweatshirt.  The rest of the neatly-folded necessities arrived home ready to be returned, unused, to their place in the dresser.  I could have saved myself a lot of work and aggravation by trusting that things would go smoothly and trusting that we would have the ability to solve any problems that might arise.  People loved MacGyver because he could work wonders with the items he found in his pockets.  It is resourcefulness, not limitless supplies, that reminds us how competent we are to meet whatever lies in our path.

The important thing to remember is that the path will reveal itself when you begin to walk.  Travel light.  It will make your trip more enjoyable.  Rather than carrying a load that weighs you down, be sure to carry your confidence in meeting whatever lies ahead.  Enjoy your trip!