I leave in July….three months from right now. In a month and a half, I’ll be leaving for training camp. Time is absolutely flying. I got accepted to the Race five months ago today, on November 1st, 2011. Honestly, that both seems like it was just yesterday and also a millennium ago. So many things have happened since I got accepted, from fundraising to learning more about the Race to getting to know my incredible squad (shout out District H!). But somehow, I feel like all of those things have happened so, so quickly. I feel as if the phone call that morning, the excitement, is still brand new.
People have told me that I shouldn’t be worried if one day I wake up completely freaked out and wondering why the heck I ever decided to do the Race. I’ve been told that I may even physically get sick, but not to be worried. If we’re being perfectly honest here, I have had exactly the opposite feelings. Some days, I physically feel the emotions of excitement. My stomach turns with anticipation, not nervousness. I have not once questioned my decision to follow God’s calling to the Race. And I don’t say that to build myself up or anything, because I’ve questioned His calling more than enough at other points in my life. I am simply in awe of how perfectly everything has worked out for the Race.
But I’ve learned that I have to be cautious as well. I’m not on the Race yet, and I won’t be for three months. I still have life to live here. I have to remind myself of that constantly. I long to be out there, serving. I long to be living “that” life, following my calling; however, it has been deeply impressed upon me lately that “that” life is THIS life…the one I am living right now.
See, I was placed right here, in Anacortes, working at Papa Murphys, with these relationships, for a very specific purpose and time. I have greatly enjoyed this season of my life, and its not over yet. While my time may be limited, its not over yet and I still have a purpose for where I am. God has been moving in huge ways in some of my friendships, and it has been teaching me continually that the mission field isn’t limited to a foreign country. The mission field is where you, as a Christian, are at.
You’re buying groceries? Oh hey, broken world.
You’re at work? Whatup, lost coworkers.
You’re at church? Well how can you serve?
You’re talking to that person? Hey there, opportunity to love like Jesus!
See, Jesus calls us the salt of the world. Thats not ‘salt of every country except the one you live in’ or even ‘salt of every community except your own.’ We are lights, meant to shine in dark places, and there is darkness absolutely everywhere. We think we have it so good here in America, with our mega churches, Christian radio stations and bestselling self-help books with a Christian twist, but our country is still a dark place. Sin runs rampant. We are just as much in need of missionaries as those third-world countries. Our needs here just comes in a different form.
While I have no doubt that I am supposed to serve on the missions field internationally starting in July, I am also convinced that I am to be serving on the missions field in my community for the next three months. The location and methods may vary drastically, but the mission is the same: share Jesus with the lost.
I recently saw this paining on another Racer’s blog and it spoke deeply to me.
be. here.
Don’t be stuck focusing on the past, the things you could have done differently. Don’t be stuck in the mindset that your best days are behind you. Likewise, don’t be stuck in the future, thinking about the amazing things you have to look forward to, or even the hard things you are worried about. Focus on right. here. right now. This very second is passing by, and you will never get it back. Enjoy it. Live it to the fullest you can. Find out where God would have you now, what He has purposed for you for this season, and live it!
I am speaking as much to myself as to anyone who may read this. I need this reminder. Life can feel very redundant, and I get so caught up in my future while letting my present pass by. No more.
Jesus has been teaching me so many things these last 5 months that I need for the Race. I have been learning so much about Him and how He operates, as well as me and how I really operate, and even how we operate in our relationship. He is preparing me for the Race by my living in the present. I encourage you to allow Him to do the same for you, because you have no idea what He has in store for you!
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” Psalm 46:10-11
