Pack Light, Trust Heavy: How Letting Go Helped Me Find More of What Truly Matters
How Letting Go Helped Me Find More of What Truly Matters
This summer, I set out to plan the ultimate East Coast road trip for our family.
I had maps, itineraries, and even snack assignments. We included the kids in the planning—asking what they wanted to do, where they wanted to go, what they were excited to see. Everything was mapped out and timed to perfection.
But somewhere along the way… I felt something shift.
Between the planning, the prepping, the juggling of expectations, and the looming pressure to "make every moment count"—my heart felt heavy. This trip that was meant to bring us joy started to feel more like a checklist to conquer.
And then came the whisper from deep within:
“Let go. Make room for Me.”
So we did something a little bold, we simplified everything.
Instead of overpacking, we brought just ONE shared luggage. Yes, for all five of us.
We loaded up our borrowed van with the essentials:
• Some snacks
• A cooler with drinks (including our faithful friend, “K” water)
• couple of blankets and pillows
• And our most valuable asset—each other.
No pressure. No race against the clock.
Just space—for grace, peace, and maybe even a few God-ordained surprises.
What Actually Happened on the Road?
Something beautiful unfolded.
We visited family we hadn’t seen in a long time.
We stayed longer at places that felt peaceful.
We didn’t rush, we settled in.
Sure, we still had our typical family moments. The kids bickered over which stops to skip or where to eat. Some wanted to rest, others wanted to explore. But we kept gently reminding them (and ourselves):
“We’re not here just for ourselves. We’re here for the experience together.”
To create moments that one day they’ll pass on—as memories, traditions, or even legacy.
One of my favorite unexpected memories?
We hopped on a free ferry ride and ended up with an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty. The free ferry ride wasn’t planned. It wasn’t on our itinerary. But it was exactly what we needed. A slow, simple moment. And it was priceless.
The Power of Capturing Moments
Now, if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the groans when mom pulls out the camera.
But here’s why I do it anyway.
A few years ago, we were in Frankfurt, Germany. We visited a mall downtown, took pictures, and strolled around. The very next day, a large protest broke out in that exact area. The mall and much of the surrounding space were damaged in a fire. Just like that—it was gone.
The photos we took? They became the only visual memory of what once was.
That taught me: Capture the moments—because the places, the people, and even the feelings may not always be there.
We’re not just documenting vacations. We’re preserving legacy.
Key Takeaways from This Journey
1 Less stuff = more space
Packing light helped us move freely, think clearly, and be present.
Sometimes the heaviness we feel isn't just what’s in our bags—but what’s in our hearts.
2 You don’t need to check every box
Some of the best moments were the unplanned ones. The ones we didn’t control.
That’s where God met us—with peace and wonder.
3 It’s not about the destination—it’s about the transformation
This trip helped shape how our kids view travel, faith, family, and legacy.
Not everything went as planned—but everything unfolded with purpose.
4 Traditions begin with intention
When we tie our children’s desires to deeper meaning, we’re not just creating “fun memories.”
We’re raising future storytellers, culture-keepers, and legacy-builders.
So, What’s the Next Move, Mama?
If you’re planning a trip—or even just feeling overwhelmed by life, try this:
Simplify. Ask yourself what’s truly essential.
Loosen the itinerary. Leave space for the unexpected.
Surrender the plan. Let God take the lead.
And maybe most importantly, ask your kids:
“What’s one moment you want to remember—not a place, but a feeling?”
Then take a deep breath.
Look around.
And be all there.
Because the best part of this journey isn’t what we do.
It’s who we become…together.
💖 From one mom to another:
Pack light. Trust heavy.
And let your journey be guided by grace.
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