Preparing to go abroad for nearly a year is a funny process.
People do it all the time; I realize this. But it’s brought my life into focus in so many ways.
With three short weeks before I leave, some things have become more important than others.
I’ve started prioritizing people over errands…relationships over my to-do list. (Jury’s still out on whether my to-do list will actually get done before January 6th…but that’s neither here nor there…)
The present is so sweet. Because I know I’ll be on the Race a few short weeks from now…because it’s so certain…I’m not thinking about tomorrow. I’m enjoying today.
I’m soaking up my home church family. Next year, I’ll cling to the sweet family that the Lord is providing as my squad, but right now, each time I get to gather with my brothers and sisters at The Bridge, I savor it. Standing on stage as a lead worshiper, looking out and seeing the faces of my friends and family as they worship our God…experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit together…these moments are like gold to me. I have three Sundays left before I begin worshiping with brothers and sisters around the world, which will be beautiful and wonderful as well. But I will miss the tribe of believers in Alton who have loved and supported me over the last few years!
For years, my grandpa has wanted his ancestry traced. With three weeks left, I’m finally doing it. Because it brings him joy…and he’s 87. I’m not sure if I’ll have the opportunity to provide this for him a year from now.
I’m going through countless boxes in my parents’ basement and in my apartment and taking bags and bags to Goodwill. I’ve had stuff sitting there for years…accumulating dust, taking up space. Why?
There are relationships I haven’t stewarded well. Coffee with old friends and lunch with new acquaintances…investing in people…these things matter.
My time with the Lord each morning has become critical. I know I can’t do the World Race on my own. I’m not even pretending to. I’ve already seen and experienced spiritual warfare that I know will only intensify on the Race. I know that at some point, my flesh will fail. I’ll be selfish. I’ll want my bed, my family, my comfortable life. I know my mind will begin to wonder what I’d be doing if I wasn’t on the Race…where would I be in my career? What would I be achieving?
Right now, I feel strong. I feel like I could never think such things. But I know myself. I know my brokenness…my desperate need for the Lord. I know I need Him. So my time with Him now…just trying to exist in His presence as I prepare to leave…is everything.
And you know what I’m realizing? I could live like this all the time. I could treasure the present all the time. I don’t…because I get distracted by the stuff of life. I live like I have all the time in the world. But I’m not guaranteed tomorrow. None of us are.
People with terminal illnesses experience sharp focus toward the end of their lives. I’ve heard that soldiers preparing to go to battle do as well. My situation isn’t as dramatic. But God is using this time to focus my heart and my soul on Him and on the things that matter. Of course, my heart and mind still stray. I still experience stress. But there has been a shift.
My prayer for you (and for me) this Advent season is for this same focus. Imagine you were leaving in January. How would you spend Christmas this year? Would you spend it standing in lines in crowded stores? Stressed out by all you have to do? Consumed by the burdens of the season?
No. You’d spend it with the ones you love. You’d keep your eyes on the baby in the manger, who grew up to be the risen Savior of the world. You’d want to experience joy, life, and peace.
And we can…
Right now.
This year.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
Let’s celebrate Advent the way it was intended…full of joy and life.
Love you all. Merry Christmas!
