In college I minored in Physical Education (PE) on a whim. I wanted to discipline my body more and learn some tricks to be healthier so I figured this minor might help a sista out. Once I was about half way done with necessary credentials, my health kick faded a bit, along with my enthusiasm. Eventually I dreaded finishing; often brainstorming alternatives so I could drop the minor altogether… it didn’t work. There I was, my last semester at Houghton College, 1 measly class away from completing the minor. Therapeutic Modalities (TM), the class I thought had the least appealing course description, was the only PE class that fit my schedule. I reluctantly signed up. In TM, I met a girl named Alexa and we became friendly acquaintances.
I had the next 2 years of my life perfectly planned until an outside forced slapped me across the face and made me reevaluate MY plans. That was it, right there! Everything about my structured and comfortable future was mine. That force, also known as the Holy Spirit (:]) broke my heart that day I started doubting myself. I didn’t know what to do or who to tell, but I kept hearing sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice. I had to stop trusting myself more than our Lord and Savior.
Next step, contact Alexa. I knew she was going on a long missions trip and I wanted to know more. After 2 & a ½ hours of talking to this friendly acquaintance, now a dear friend :), I found out oodles of information about the World Race (She leaves in September!). The next day: application submitted, the next week: interview over, and now it is happening. Boy am I glad I took that class! He knows. We are His. May He take us, mold us, and use us according to His flawless schedule, neglecting our own.
I thought I'd add some excerpts from my journal to share more personal thoughts leading up to this decision. I've always thought blogging is creepy and screams TMI TMI TMI!, but since I'm expected to blog during the race, I suppose starting with a vulnerable approach could be best. Maybe it's not so bad after all. Enjoy:
4/22/12: All authority and victory is His. It should be our natural response to worship God. A week of feeling spiritually attacked and angry – ENOUGH! People are our purpose and time is short. James 4:14-How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. Psalm 144:4-For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow. Psalm 90:12-Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Everyone who has rejected Christ has bought into some sort of lie.
4/28/12: Really 2nd guessing everything about next year. Is any of it fulfilling for God's purpose? Alexa is going to 11 countries in 11 months and purely for missions. I have hardly been a missionary, what we are called to do. I have never sacrificed how God calls us to. I've never stood with arms high and heart abandoned. Oh flip. Pray.
4/30/12: Koin tonight was incredible. Some songs: Our God, Great I AM, How Great is Our God, You Make Beautiful Things. It was moving. Pastor Todd called seniors up and Rob, Rach, Mel, Kate and me all held hands. I love them. So much. This decision for next year will be painful. But we don't need anyone but our GOD. He is greater and stronger and higher than ANY other!
A tiny glimpse to the beginning of a ginormopiasarge (gigantic, enormous, cornucopias, & large combined! New word, Webster?) journey. Much love. Pizzy (that means peace, for the future).
Disclaimer: The amount I did (or did not….) learn in TM has no correlation to my professor or the quality of the class. It has everything to do with my attitude, which was very very VERY sub-par. 🙂
