The summer of 2013, God wrecked my life. I’m talking about full-on Godzilla stomped all my plans I had for my future. I was a heartbroken mess and didn’t know where my life was headed (good ‘ole twenties). However, God wrecked my expectations of my ordinary life to tell me His plans of an extraordinary life. My life was wrecked in order for me to find the World Race. Since July of 2013, I’ve created a multitude of lists and creating expectations in preparation for WR. I’ve been attached to my checklists and itineraries. And now, I am joining an organization who straight up tells you “leave your expectations at the door”.
Cool, but I like plans. I was the kid that wouldn’t go on the roller coaster unless I could see the entire ride. I like to be able to anticipate surprises and be a step ahead of the crowd. I like anticipating, so the only way I justify this insanity is by anticipating no expectations. I keep thinking of the scene on the bench from Good Will Hunting, where Robin Williams tells Matt Damon that reading about life experiences will never meet the expectations of feeling the real deal.
In 80 days I leave for the World Race, and I expect that I will serve in a numerous of ways; if you think of it, I’ll probably be doing it! All in all, I know that my main expectation for myself is to be ready.
Ready to be a follower of Jesus.
Ready for God to show up.
Ready to live in an authentic community.
Ready to expose and deal with the past.
Ready to have a positive attitude.
Ready to change.
Simply that. I’m ready to wash feet, pray for miracles, accept feedback, face the past, be more positive (if that’s even possible) and claim myself as a beloved daughter. I’m ready to live. I’m ready to be ready.
I know the days will be joyous yet, rough and I will become discouraged. But all of my misadventures have led me down towards this path. Besides, God’s plan has always ended up better than my own, why question it now? So I can’t tell you exactly what mission work I will be doing in each country. But, I know it will be good! I want God to show up and live in this kind of freedom:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:12-17
