Day 22 Bag check

 I'm heading off on leadership week to Zingela. One of the things we have to do before heading off is checking the boys bags for contraband...like vodka spritzers...

There is something deeply moving about checking someone's bag. A bag is a metaphor for a person. Some moms have packed the bags. The care and attention is there. There is logic and order in the organizational structures of the packing. And some boys have done it themselves and they know where every single mozzie repellent and fishing lure is. Some have packed their undies in separate compartments. All have carefully packed toiletry bags. Some boys read the packing list and then packed a full electric bedside lamp because it said you should bring a light. Some boys packed their own bags and they are already in a state of absolute chaos with minimal clothes, energade leaking all over their slippers. And many have made last minute runs to the San to get a Tupperware lid to eat off because they haven't checked the packing list.

If a bag is a brain one can only shed a tear at the order of some, and the lack of order of others. There are the brains who have organization and structure because those around them hem them in and want them to set off on big adventures fully prepared. And some do it themselves and are already learning how to survive and be prepared and rely on themselves. And some are just absolute chaos. There is disorder and lack of preparation and a sense of panic because they are already at a disadvantage before the adventure even starts. 

How much more compassion could we all have if we did a brain check before the journey? Maybe then we could slip into some bags  a few extra snacks, a plastic plate and grace for the road.