What would you bring?

(Zoom in on the car to see what it’s made of!)

Recently, I had the privilege of taking my children on a field trip to a Doctor’s Without Borders/Medecins sans Frontiers (MSF) mock refugee camp.

The volunteers had pavillions/tents/stations set up with write ups, samples and mannequins to illustrate the conditions and highlight elements of the journey made by so many as they are forced to leave their homes and everything familiar behind.  One of the stations actually had toys created from used bottles, cartons and bits of scrap metal.  One had a pair of shoes constructed from a blown out tire.

They showed us the meager fare that families would receive to eat, day after day after day.  I am certain that my little ones did not understand what they were seeing.  In fact, I believe that I do not really comprehend the enormity of it all.

What a type of our Lord’s death on the cross.  We can sympathize and even hurt for Him but I do not believe that we have any true understanding of what an awesome thing He did for us in those moments.  Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18-19

What Jesus endured was unfathomable and yet He chose to do it!

At one station, the guide explained to us that often families have little to no notice about an evacuation.  They are able only to take what they can carry in their arms – understanding that they could be walking for days or weeks in order to reach their refugee camp.  The guide posed the question, “If you had to leave your home, what would you take?”

The answers included scrapbooks, photographs, family and water.  Then, one voice was quietly heard, “I would take my Bible”.  The guide looked surprised and then nodded.  She made no comment but the look on her face was certainly intrigued.

As the group moved on toward the next pavillion, I stopped and gave up a moment of thanksgiving for the precious girl who, although witnessing the potential for hunger, thirst, cold, lonliness and suffering chose the one thing that would truly bring her comfort: the Word of God.

I go forward, but he is not there: and backward, but I cannot perceive him: on the left hand, where he does work, but I cannot behold him: he hides himself on the right hand, I cannot see him.  But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

This child had an insight that so many of us miss so often.  There is nothing more valuable to us than God.  There is no one better able to care for us than God.  Even when things seems at their bleakest, God is present and able – ever faithful.

 Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Take stock of what is around you today and ask yourself, “What would I bring?”