So why the World Race?
Some would say that my decision to go on the Race is sporadic, random, and strange. That I am throwing caution to the wind and giving up an amazing life that I have worked hard to establish. Some might say this, and they might even be partially correct. However, they would be overlooking a large part of the story, and well, the most important part of the story. This is the story of Christ, and the story of my walk with Him. See, before last year when I broke off a five year relationship and took a new job in a new town my life had been about two things.
#1 Men
#2 Money
And you might even say that I had been successful in my achievements in this area. I had a very attractive, successful boyfriend and a job making 40+K a year. Pretty cool, right? Wrong. After five years in pursuit of these things I was empty, and beyond that flabbergasted as to why I was so unhappy. I thought there must be something wrong with me. To be so sad and depressed and angry when I had so much there had to be something I was missing. A chemical imbalance maybe? Maybe I just needed to join a gym. Get more friends, party more, go on more boating trips, quit my job. I tried everything. None of it worked. I was at a loss of what do to, so I did all I knew how. I prayed.
I have always believed that God is a God of perfect timing. Me, I am constantly late. My timing is worse than that of a three year old guitarist, but not God, he is perfect. And he knows exactly what we need before we need it. In the midst of all this turmoil God opened several doors for me, and it is these doors that have been the biggest determining factors as to why I am
1.Going on the Race
2.Able to go on the Race
The first thing God did was He got me a job straight out of college. See while most of my graduating class was scrambling with what to do upon graduating; writing resumes and making phone calls and submitting applications and all in the midst of this terrible economy, I didn’t have to lift a finger. I got a phone call from a friend about a position selling satellite TV systems out of a mall. It was a management position with benefits and since I had previous experience selling it door to door throughout college I was perfect for the position. One interview and I was in. In this job I have been promoted and stretched to my limits in every way. I have always felt I was given this opportunity for a reason (and knowing God it was for many reasons). As I get ready to leave I now know that God blessed me with this job so that I could go on this mission. It was never meant to be a permanent thing.
Another thing God has done, and something I prayed hard for because I knew I was going to need it following my breakup, was that he put amazing people and friendships in my life. The people that I have come to know in the last two years are some of the best people I have ever met, and will ever meet (except of course for my new teammates in Route 4!!) These people (friends, coworkers, and family members alike) have touched and inspired me in ways I didn’t think were possible for me anymore. I thank God every day for them and the way they inspire me to be better and stronger and smarter. It is through these relationships that God has shaped and molded and reopened my heart to change and to do the Race.
So it is by these things He has given me; the relationships that I have built in the last two years, all the lives and people that have touched and inspired me, and by the blessing of my job, that I am going on the Race. I want nothing more than to be an inspiration to others just as others have been an inspiration to me. And I want to do it for the Glory of God who has guided me through all my mistakes and misguided priorities in life. I know that I will be a good servant and bless many people on this trip both at home and overseas. However (as I have experienced in my walk with Him) I know I will be blessed by this trip as well. And this is the most wonderful thing about God. You get out so much more than what you put in. You sacrifice a dime he will give you a dollar. You sacrifice a year and he will bless you with a lifetime. I want to share His love with everyone so that they can share in the blessings He gives to those that follow Him.
As it says in Luke 11:9-10 “And so I tell you, keep on asking and and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.”
Faith, Hope, and Love to you all. I love you and can’t wait to start serving on this mission!
Praise God and His son Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading!
