The Errand of the Keeper! A suitcase journey.

Have you ever thought of where something or someone’s story began?  

 Fifty-three years ago, this suitcase was shiny and new.  It had a red lining sewed inside with a locking mechanism on the outside to keep it safe from intruders. 

It began as a part-time job of selling photo packages. It cost near $200 at the time to purchase a start up package.   The owner of this suitcase needed to cover a $67 monthly rent, as well as utilities.  If he sold a picture package he would get $20 cash immediately and then over time, the people would complete paying for their packages and he would get the remainder of the money earned. 

He and his wife were attending college and just trying to earn a little extra to help make ends meet. When he was finished with that business prospect,  this suitcase became the sacred holder of his white temple clothes.  The suitcase now graduated to the keeper of sacred clothing for a covenant keeping son, husband, father, grandfather,   patriarch, cousin, friend, Disciple of Christ. This keeper has traveled many miles and many years through struggles, trials, sacrifices, triumphs, joys, and miracles, yet it continues to be the keeper of a sacred reverence to enter a Higher and Holier place which is The House of the Lord. The temple of God. 

Ten children and 44 grandchildren later, this suitcase continues its journey with the man who carries it with reverence. Together they persevere in good times and in bad, but hold true to the faith that was given him as they trek forward staying true to his covenants and continuing his earthly journey. 

Who is the Keeper of your life journey?  As we venture on in this mortal life, may we all remember our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is He, who gave of himself so freely so that we, through our righteous choices, can return to live with Him again. It is through Him that we can repent and change.  

Today this suitcase is worn out with broken pieces on the outside. The red lining peers through the cracked and broken pieces yet is still bright and vibrant.  The inside contents are still protected and kept sacred. 

Will we allow the Redeemer who gave his life to be the Keeper of our souls?  Though we may be worn and tattered, our Spirits are redeemed and treasured as the most valuable gift God has intended for us. 

In 

Psalm121

5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The errand of our keeper is eternal life!  The errand of each of us is to have faith and trust to know Him who gave His atoning sacrifice for us. 

Marci Hatfield 

We have been blessed to serve with this great couple. Our lives have been forever changed by knowing them.

I have seen his suitcase when we attend the temple together and I felt impressed to write about it.