Currently sitting in McDonald’s in Pickering, Canada, just a block or so away from where we are staying, an empty ballroom in a strip mall. We eat some of our meals at the restaurant next door and shower at the local gym. They have a Walmart, there is constant hot shower water, we can flush toilet paper, and we have a heater to keep up warm in the 30 degree weather.
As of thirteen and a half hours ago, it is 2017.
We are in Canada for 4 days, for a layover/debrief. We are reflecting on what 2016 looked like and looking at what 2017 is going to be like.
I was think about what the Lord has done in my life in 2016 and as a squad, we started declaring things last night during worship.
“He set captives free.”
“He saved my brother.”
“Jesus released me from insecurities.”
“Thank you, God, for healing her legs and letting her walk into my arms.”
“Jesus, you taught me what a true family looks like.”
“You showed me that I am not defined my my struggle or circumstances, but rather by You and Your love.”
“You have shown me to step out in obedience.”
“My mom is a year sober.”
“You have revealed passions I didn’t know I had.”
“You have loved me and shown me that I can love myself.”
These were just a few of the things that were shouted during worship last night. Last night was freeing. The Lord was there. He was in the room as 50 racers, their parents, friends, and alumni praised Him and thanked Him for the year He had given.
Guys, the Lord has done so much in the past year.
My favorite part of yesterday was at 11:59. We stepped outside into the freezing weather. Ice and snow all over the ground and we worshiped. We ended 2016 praising God and we entered 2017 praising God.
As my team and I are entering a new season in 2 days, heading to India, worshiping out of one year and into another meant a whole lot. Each year, we go through trials and tribulation, we go through joys and remarkable occasions. but when we put God at the beginning, end, and everywhere in between, how can it not be beautiful?
