It’s hard to believe that our first month on the Race is already done. I’ve caught myself asking several times over the past week where the time has gone…I mean didn’t we just get here?
Time is a funny thing. It’s one of the most constant, unchanging things we have and yet it feels so inconsistent and variable. And one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far on this journey relates to time. It’s been spoken to us and over us many times since training camp and it’s finally permeating my head and heart:
Be present. And be intentional.
Once time has been given it cannot be returned. Our first month has been filled with so much goodness and that’s what makes it so hard to leave. Our ministry team feels like family. The church members feel like close friends. The church feels like home.
I couldn’t fully grasp this emotion before the race, but it has securely taken up residence in my heart. And the only reason it has is because the Lord said to be present and be intentional with our time and we were. Being present – not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually – with our time stirs up and builds deep relationships that otherwise would be nothing more than paint on a wall. And intentionality goes a long way in conveying value and significance in others that leads to the type of unity the Father designed and desires for us to experience. This mess is hard, but life is so much better when we seek to be purposeful with the time we have.
So let’s be people who are present and intentional. It’s so worth it.
And hey, while you’re reading this, check out the recap video I made for month 1 in Bulgaria! Give me grace folks – it’s my first one:)
