Something absolutely incredible happened this past Tuesday morning!
On my way home from track practice, I was meeting a friend and brother in Christ, who has really become like a second father to me, to go over the proper gear I would need for the World Race. He knows all about backpacking and the best gear so I was really excited to figure out the proper gear I was going to need.
Before all of this however, he had told me he thought he had a backpack (he has about 12 of them) I could use for the trip and was going to bring it for me to look at.
Okay, so after getting there he brings out a backpack, has me try it on to see if it fits me. He showed me all the special features it had like the removable top pack that can double as a day pack and the nice ventilation it has. After having me try it on, he started to pull out some gear that I would need. He pulled out an extremely nice sleeping pad, head buffs, a brand new pair of Nike’s, a down vest, a Columbia waterproof jacket and multi-tool. Make sure you have a good picture of this in your mind so far because this is the absolutely incredible part! Also, keep in mind he had told me he was bringing one of his backpacks for me to check out.
He then asked me if this was the kind of stuff I would need. I said yes obviously. Then, he asked me if I liked it and I emphatically said yes again. This is the best part.
He told me and I quote “It’s all yours”.
I didn’t believe him at first and thought he was joking or something. After asking multiple times “Are you serious?”, I started tearing up because I was in complete shock and disbelief that he was giving me all of this gear. The main thought going through my mind was why on earth would he give me all of this gear? I certainly didn’t do anything to deserve all of this stuff. Well, that was the beautiful thing about it I guess. It was a perfect example of Christ’s love for us in that his love and grace is completely undeserved by us yet He delights in pouring it out on us anyways.
Confession: I cried for about another 20 minutes after getting home. Tears of joy of course. Also, it turned out he had bought me a brand new Osprey 4200 cu backpack in my favorite color. If I had bought my own backpack, this would have been the one I would have picked out.
Before Tuesday, I began doubting that the World Race was the path God wanted me on but this I feel like was complete confirmation from God the World Race is the next step of my life.
His trail name is Jungleman so if you’re out backpacking and meet a guy going by Jungleman, do me a favor and tell him he’s awesome.
