Lesson #4...always learning

This has been a year for traveling for me and my family. We have always been travelers, so packing is sort of a passtime for me. Traveling by air, though, presents a few traveling challenges, or at the very least, procedures you need to be aware of before you arrive at the airport!

For various reasons, I have spent more time this year in air ports than in any other year of my life! I have had to learn about check in procedures, security procedures and air plane etiquette. Not to mention, flight delays and food choices! To travel by air there are things you must do, and procedures you must follow. These have to do with getting through the security check point, so it is important when planning your wardrobe and packing your travel.

For example, do not expect to wear a jacket through security, take it off before they have to threaten you with a 'pat down' search! (that was the choice I was given on my first morning out!!!--trust me, take off the jacket, voluntarily!)

You can do a 'self check-in' by swiping a credit card...for I.D. purposes only....to get your very important boarding pass. This piece of paper will get you through security, with your photo I.D. and it will get you on to the plane, without your photo I.D.

Before approaching the security gate, take a moment and get ready, I get this all ready as I pack for the flight:

Electronics: My computer, camera, G.P.S., and cell phone I locate these in my personal carry on , wither my purse, or in my computer tote.

Liquid: While you need to stay hydrated when you travel, do not think you're going to carry a bottle of water through security! (I drink one on the way to the airport, and trow it away on my way in) Just purchase another one when you get on the other side, or pack, if you have room, an empty re-usable one. Also, your personal hygiene items. If you are checking a bag, you can pack them in there, I always use zip-lock bags for this in either bag, because I hate messes on my clothing during travel, and if your shampoo, or worse, nail polish removed spills you have a huge mess! SO, use small containers...(and instead of packing nail polish remover in liquid form, for travel, purchase the disposable remover pads--I also buy face-wash pads instead of packing my liquid face wash for trips!)

So, you have the small containers...You are allowed not more than 2oz. in each little bottle, so be judicious in your carry on items. If you are carrying on, put all liquid items, shampoo, contact solution, liquid makeup, what ever is liquid in ONE quart size zip-lock bag.

Put this bag with your electronic devices in your carry personal carry on.

Step up to the security check point. Hand the first person your photo I.D. and your boarding pass.

Next point, you are ready for the scanning machines (I'm certain there is another name for this part of the procedure, but I'm a novice!) As you approach, grab a couple of plastic bins. In one, put all your electronics that will fit, and if there's room your bag of liquids.

In the other, put your shoes, (and shoes, wear comfortable ones, never know how MUCH walking you're going to have to do--trust me, flights change all the time!). Your carry on can go through with your bag, just place them both on the rollers. Now, WAIT for the security guard to tell you when to go through the scanning part. Be respectful, and do not talk too much to them, they have a really important job to do...so you need to take it very seriously...

On the other side, your personal belongings will come through the x-ray type machine, you collect them and, unless they stop you for a random search, or take your bag for a deeper scan. Put your photo ID up, and put your boarding pass in a safe place. (I usually put it in the book I'm planning to read on the plane--just me!)

NOW: MOVE on through to the benches or chairs. This area, beyond security is provided for you to re-assemble your stuff do not hurry, do not be anxious...sit down, put your shoes back on. But the point is: MOVE out of the way, you are not the only person there--be conscious of the people around you and either move with or get out of the flow of traffic!

WOW...I wrote all that, because I have seen the most organized travelers, and the most disorganized travelers, and it always amazes me on both ends of the spectrum! I love watching people..hilarious. I suppose the moral of this story is pack wisely, think about each choice you are making for the items going in your bag...and strike up conversations with fellow travelers! You meet interesting people, and get interesting perspectives!-Not to mention, great stories to tell!!!

The lesson I have learned this year is to be always learning. A better way to pack a suitcase. A better way to read a book. A better way to write a research paper, a better way to study my Bible, OR a better way to pack liquids.

A better way to speak to my children, a better way to motivate those around me --or myself!

A new and exciting route to a place...or learning about a far away place. It is a wonder to me because the more I learn, the more I realize how little I truly know!

Learn about making friends, learn about truly being honest with yourself, and those you love. Learn how to color your own hair, or make bread.

Here's a verse I read this morning:

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9

Always learning. These verses speak of godliness, and knowledge, and perseverance...brotherly kindness and love....self-control...faith...this qualities, building from the foundation of faith, will keep us from being unproductive and ineffective.

How effective is your faith? How effective is the knowledge you possess of our Lord?

We desire our lives, as Christians to be effective for the kingdom--don't we? We should. Be alert. Be learning...always!