My One Thing

I'm usually an overpacker, thinking of all the what-ifs, but am determined to be a minimalist this time.

By God's loving design, I get to go on a ladies' retreat this weekend. My mindset is to
pack like I'll only be there for two days and nights. Because that's the truth.

Oh, but, but! I need my blow-dryer with diffuser, my gel, my spray, my clips.
Oh, but, but! I need three different shades of lip gloss, one per day or mood. And mascara to wake up my lashes, and foundation to cover the ever-increasing number of blotches.

Oh, but, but! I need long sleeves and short sleeves and light pants and dark pants and ankle socks and tennis shoes and sandals.
Oh, but! but! I need a video camera and my digital camera, and wish I had a phone with a camera.

Oh, but, but! I need my Bible, some pens, my thankfulness journal, my regular journal, and some note cards to encourage other women, and maybe some stamps in case I actually get a mind to send snail mail.

Oh, but, but! I should take extra towels, big purple ones and some nice lotion, and air freshener and a candle or two...

Okay, I am no longer thinking like a missionary packer. My list of "needs" is nothing more than a list of wants.

I need God to meet me. That's the one thing I need, no matter what. I want to know that I need Him. Not intellectually; that's a given. I want my soul to be convinced.

The theme of the retreat is "One Thing" and I can't help but think of Rich Mullins who wrote,

Everybody I know says they need just one thing
And what they really mean is that they
need just one thing more
And everybody seems to think
They've got it coming
Well I know that I don't deserve You
Still I want to love and serve You
More and more
You're my one thing

Save me from those things
That might distract me
Please take them away and purify my heart
I don't want to lose the eternal for
The things that are passing
'Cause what will I have when the world is gone
If it isn't for the love that goes on and on with

CHORUS:
My one thing, You're my one thing
And the pure in heart shall see God
You're my one thing
You're my one thing
And the pure in heart shall see God

Who have I in Heaven but You Jesus
And what better could I hope
To find down here on earth
I could cross the most distant reaches
Of this world, but I'd just be wasting my time
'Cause I'm certain already, I'm sure
I'd find You're

CHORUS

Every night and every day
You hold on tight
Or you drift away
And you're left to live
With the choices you make
Oh Lord please give me the strength
To watch and work and love and sing and pray

'Cause who have I in Heaven but You Jesus?
And what better could I hope
To find down here on earth?
Well I could cross the most distant reaches
Of this world, but I'd just be wasting my time
'Cause I'm certain already I'm sure I'd find

You're my one thing (one thing)
You're my one thing (one thing)
And the pure in heart shall see God