I’ve been reflecting lately on the fact that God is a
genius. He is the original genius. There are no other geniuses, when compared to
God. The reason for my recent
reflections is small, but giant at the same time. It’s an ongoing realization that He knows me
so much better than I know myself. He
knows the real me. He holds the keys
that unlock my true potential and everything He made me to be, to do, and to
enjoy.
I have only gone camping once in my life, and I slept in the
car. I think I was about 12 years old. I did not enjoy the experience. It stormed, I was in a bad mood. I’m pretty sure I fought with my family most
of the time. Therefore I had decided
(without ever making a conscious decision that I can remember) that I DO NOT do
camping. As I’ve been led on this
journey to The World Race I’ve been faced head-on with the fact that God has
called me to something that is full of backpacking and camping. Something had to give; it was my stubborn
decision that I don’t camp.
After doing much research online about tents, internal frame
backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, I made a daytrip to Recreational
Equipment, Inc. (REI) in Minneapolis (at the recommendation of a wise friend). As I sat at Caribou making my shopping list
for the day I felt nervous. Then I felt
silly that I felt nervous. I was afraid
of walking into the store and feeling like I didn’t belong there. I finished my iced tea, gathered up my
resolve and headed to REI. As I
approached the front entrance to the store I began to like the place
immediately. There were plants, flowers,
and trees all around. A stream flowed
under my feet as I walked towards the doors. Once in the store it didn’t take long for my
nerves to change into feeling pretty excited and happy to be there. It’s like I could literally feel adventure
and freedom all around me. I had so much
fun shopping for things that only hours before had seemed like a daunting task. I had a great time interacting with the
helpful employees, all adventurers themselves.
As I walked out of the store 6 hours later (don’t worry, I
took a halftime break for supper), it was more like I was floating. I was so excited to have my gear, so excited
to be quite a few steps closer to embarking on training camp and the Race
itself. The greatest gift of all was the
realization that fear had been holding me back from something I know I will
love. One of the greatest ways I
encounter the beauty and majesty of God, the holiness and might of God, and the
creativity of God, is through nature. Ask any of my friends, when there is a sunset in sight I can’t really
focus on anything else. I get pretty
excited when my hibiscus or hydrangea is blooming. I’m much happier walking down a trail in a
state park then walking along a sidewalk. I love the ocean and the mountains and the clouds. Trees amaze me. All of these things remind me of who God is. I can’t wait to spend some time in the beauty
of creation encountering God, not just on the Race, but afterwards as well,
after all, I’ll already have the gear.
