…because Jesus says they are.
Right now in World Race life, we are ending one season and starting the next. The team of 5 other people that I have been doing life with the past 4 months is changing. Tomorrow.
And how do I feel about that, you ask?
Sad, relieved, nervous, ecstatic, expectant.
I think these four months have been the most challenging of my life. I’ve been at my breaking point more times than I can count. I’ve been frustrated. Beaten down. Discouraged. And pushed. Wow, have my limits been pushed.
And it’s not because I’ve been sleeping in a tent, eating the same boring food over and over again, working 14 hour days chasing kids around, or going days without showers. Yes, those things have exhausted me, but community has been the true challenge.
It turns out there is beautiful character growth that happens when you are pushed. When you are in a situation that seems completely hopeless and not worth the fight, but you have no where else to go. When running even makes sense, but you know the Lord is calling you to something higher. Today, I’m thankful I didn’t run. And I’m thankful for the girls who wouldn’t let me.
Here are some lessons I’m taking with my into my next season, and next team:
1. Loving is only 10% feeling and 90% choice. So choose to love those around you, even if they don’t love or appreciate you back. Ask God for an extra portion of his love to pour out through you. When you love someone so that they will love you back, it’s called manipulation. Great if it happens, but that’s not why we are called to love.
2. True disciples of Christ love discipline. Learn to have a teachable spirit that is open to guidance, correction, and counseling. A shield of pride does nothing for except keep you from going new places in your relationship with God.
3. When you are going through a difficult time/season in your life, instead of asking why ask what. Ask God what He is using this season to prepare you for or what he is preparing for you through it.
4. God loves you because he loves you because he loves you. There’s nothing you can do to make him love you more and there’s nothing you can do to make him love you less. As His beloved child, it’s your job to be loved.
5. God wants us to dream big. He wants us to be excited about our future with Him. So don’t be afraid to talk to him about it. And don’t expect disappointment; God will always be a good God.
6. We allow way too many people to speak into our life on a level that affects our identity. We also have expectations of ourselves that we constantly strive for. God is the only one who is allowed to put a seal of approval on your life. Who does God say you are? Break free from self-condemnation and the belief that you are unworthy. Start walking freedom.
7. The spirit of comparison robs you of joy. We are all on individual journeys. Embrace yours.
