Pastor's Note

THAT ONE THING
March 2nd, 2008

Perhaps you have noticed how reporters often ask athletes, movie stars, or politicians questions like, “What is one thing always in your refrigerator?” or “What one item do you always take with you on a trip?” Sometimes the answers are impressive, other times very silly.
Recently I heard each of the presidential candidates asked, “What one item do you have to have with you on the campaign trail?” That started me thinking about what I always take with me when I go somewhere.
To be honest, I suspect I fudge on the answer and try to list more than one thing. If it is an overnight trip, I always take my breviary, the book of prayers that priests pray each day based on the Scriptures. (Actually, I have several copies, so I often keep one in my car.) Other than that, I like to take my journal. I ALWAYS have a notebook with me for jotting down ideas and thoughts.
Of course, we all take clothes and try to be prepared for all occasions. Sometimes I feel I am taking too much, but then I just may want my hiking boots if the opportunity presents itself for walking in the woods. And I rarely go anywhere without a good book to read. (The other day, I even complained to the nurse at my doctor’s office that I didn’t get to wait long enough because I was in a good part of the book.)
There are times I remember to bring on my journey an apple or some other fruit to eat – apples are my favorites for car rides. A good cup of coffee is good, too.
As I write this, I realize that even though I try to make good choices, I am soon taking more with me than I intended. It’s hard to think of just ‘one thing’ that I have to have. At the same time, I would like to think I could survive without most of these items. I can hum songs to myself, recall many prayers and psalms by heart, and even create stories in my mind.
Even the most essential things we have are only there to help us on our journey through life.