Loading

A Packing List "What's in your wagon?"

"What's in your wagon?" may seem a very strange question to ask. As this article unfolds, its encouragement will help your family and student prepare for their first semester at Liberty University and all the days to come leading to Commencement and then beyond into where God calls them into their lifelong assignments.

Let's "Go West, Young Man!" as they say in Cowboy Movies

For a moment, let's imagine being pioneers together! During America's history, a flurry of interest in expansion inspired pioneers to venture westward to claim land and make a new way of life for themselves. There would have been a lot of decisions to make in order to arrive safely and then sustain a way of living once they got there. The size of the wagon determined how many supplies and people could be transported; the choice of wagon determined the number of horses that were needed to handle the weight, and so on.

If you have watched any cowboy western movies with wagon train stories, you will know that most of the "East" city folk had no idea what they would need to take with them. They'd overpack with useful items, but not give enough attention to the items that would be most beneficial for their future. As the terrain became rougher and rivers blocked their route, the weight of their familiar comforts proved to be a burden. Their wagons needed to be lighter and sleeker in order to move forward. They had to get rid of extra baggage.

Typically, the most successful wagon stories were the ones that had a seasoned, been-there-and-done-that Wagon Master. He was responsible for providing a Chuck Wagon for food and the seasoned cooks to cook it; he provided men and guns for protection, and he led the way through the wilderness as their guide. He also helped advise what items were essential for life.

So, how do pioneers and wagons translate to getting ready to come to Liberty University?

The role of Wagon Master is God the Father's. The horses to pull the wagon are the Holy Spirit and Jesus the Savior. The "chuck wagon" is the Dining Hall, your cash box is administered by Student Financial Services, a medical supplies box is provided by Student Health and Wellness, and protection is given by Liberty University Police Department. Your wagon mates are on-campus at Residence Life and off-campus at Commuter Life. Get to know who travels with you.

So, now, think of that wagon.

It's the vehicle of FAITH!

Thankfully, and with great rejoicing, the Lord is able to equip and work through those who are available. Let us say for argument's sake that your student wants to be more than available; they want to be prepared, so that the Lord multiplies their five loaves and two fish (Matt. 14:16-20; Luke 9:13-17) when they show up! What do they bring with them? What items are on the Wagon Master's list? :-)

Jesus took the loaves and fish, looked toward heaven, and blessed them. (Luke 9:16)

Here's the Been-There-and-Done-That List of Essentials

  • The Bible which is an actual road map for one's life. It's a Living Word that gives all the guidance your student will ever need as they follow Jesus's call!
  • A teachable, humble spirit. Pride and arrogance will unhitch their wagon.
  • A willing heart. Be honorable and willing to step out of themselves and look to the needs of others instead of just looking out for their own needs. Be courageous and willing to follow a new set of rules they may not have had at home. Be wise and willing to ask for help when and if they need it without letting pride or fear get in the way. Be bold and willing to advocate for themselves to manage their home away from home.

The other supplies that find their place in the car are negotiables. With the essentials packed and their faith hitched to the right team (Jesus and the Holy Spirit), your student has the opportunity to learn and become the best version of themselves as God has called them to be.

Residence Life's Packing List for Move-In Day

The Office of Residence Life has a webpage about What to Bring -- take a look!

Prayer

Dear Father, many students will be coming to Liberty this year from all over the world. Most are traveling from home to be “on their own” maybe for the first time. That can be a bit scary. Please help the parents and the students to make use of all the resources that Liberty University offers to them so that their time at LU is as enjoyable and fruitful as possible. There will be bumps in the trail and some “rivers” they must cross to get to their destination. We pray they will have the steadfastness to count those things as “pure joy” as James tells us in James 1:2-4. We pray in Jesus's name, Amen!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. -Romans 5:3-4
Parent and Family Connections can be reached at (434) 582-2339 or email at LUFamily@liberty.edu

Credits:

Created with images by Bruce Shippee - "Covered wagon" • Juliaap - "Packing list or travel planner. Preparing for vacation, journey or trip." • Fxquadro - "Hammer on anvil at dark blacksmith workshop with fire in stove at background."