Casandra Martin

It was one of those trips that was just a little harder than others. The people were great. The location was beautiful. But after several weekends of being away from home, I was ready for this one to be behind me.

I opened my suitcase to get settled and prepare for the evening’s activities when a bright green note fell out of my clothes. It was a little “I love you” from my husband. I smiled, took a deep breath, and thanked God for the reminder that home wasn’t as far away as it seemed.

A few minutes later, I opened a book and another note fell out. I found a blue note tucked in my socks. Another one was wrapped around my toothpaste. There was a pink one in my shoe, and an orange one stuck in the back corner of my bag. Each note was a treasure, helping me to rediscover, reconnect, and refocus on what was truly important.

Vance Havner once said, “If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.” We are all on a journey. Some days the trip flies by without a hitch. Some times are harder than others. There are moments when the ache to go home is overwhelming.

The good news is that there are notes in our suitcases. Little “I love yous” that God plants along the way to remind us that we are not alone, and that home isn’t as far away as it seems.

My Jesus Resolution today is to watch for the notes God puts in my suitcase. God fills our days with love notes that are meant to point our hearts back to Him. Each one is tucked into the ordinary to remind us of the extraordinary way He wants to work in our lives. They are quiet reminders that we are deeply loved and richly blessed. I don’t know what the journey will hold for me today. I do know that God has already packed love notes for me to find along the way.