traveling light

I recently drove from Washington to Waco and back - far enough that the oil change I'd had done before I left needed to be redone upon my return. On the way down, my car was packed to the gills with furniture and goods that I was delivering, plus more than enough audio books to keep me entertained along the road. I was extremely conscious of the fact that the furniture, which was the main reason for the trip, probably wasn't worth the time, effort and expense that the trip would cost. Freight exceeded value, in essence. I went nonetheless, because I'd said I would (integrity being 90% of showing up) and because I wanted to visit with the recipients.

As it turned out, the trip had nothing to do with furniture. It had to do with presence, and with being available to pitch in and listen. I stayed an extra two days. Instead of resting for the return trip, I worked harder than I have for a long time.