It’s September already and it’s hard to believe that we are already 1/3 of the way done with Month 9 here in Thailand. At the beginning of the Race, the end seemed like such a far way off, but now I know it will be over in a flash. I don’t think a month will ever feel as long as it did before I left for the Race. And with this passing of so many months, my outlook on the Race and ministry is tempted to change.
You see, in the beginning the Race seemed so uncomfortable. You’re traveling with 50+ people, moving around from country to country every month, fighting through language barriers all the time, not having the same luxuries as back home, etc. It was such a new experience for me and because of that, I wanted to dive headfirst into everything. I had a strong desire to pursue the Lord and grow closer with Him. I was interested in getting to know the people around me. I was excited to experience different cultures and lifestyles. And although those things are still there to an extent, I’ve realized that they’re not as strong as they once were. I’ve realized that the Race has become…comfortable.
At first glance, the Race would seem like it could never be a comfortable way to live. But, like anything, when you do something for long enough it will become comfortable. You get used to the same routine and the excitement of the unknown begins to dissipate as it becomes more familiar. And when familiarity comes, it can be easy to begin to checkout on life. It can be easy to just go through the motions and not truly be present to your life. And that’s a place that I don’t want be.
I didn’t sign up for an 8-month trip with a 3-month layover before heading back home. I signed up for an 11-month adventure to see God’s Kingdom at work around the world, to grow closer in my relationship with Him, to live alongside brothers and sisters in Christ, and to grow in recognizing the person God has created me to be. God has already done so much in my life these last 8 months. And I know that He has so much more planned for these last 3 months and to checkout early would be a foolish mistake.
I’m reminded of something one of the AIM people back stateside, Daniel Stinson, said to us guys at our Month 2 debrief.
“Stay as humble and as open as you are right now. It’s easy on the Race to eventually develop hardened hearts and grow entitled. Keep the same hunger, teach ability, and malleability as you have right now.”
Back then, those words didn’t carry too much weight as I wasn’t at the point of struggling with that, but now those words ring loudly as I’m prone to “coasting to the finish.” And I don’t want to coast; I want to sprint.
Please pray for a renewed desire to pursue the Lord and my teammates and for a softness of heart to continue to be molded more and more into the image of Christ. Pray that my eyes and ears will be opened to see and hear from God during these last couple months. God still has things in store for me and I don’t want to miss out on them!! Thank you for all your prayers and support! It’s helped carry me this far and hopefully will spur me on these last 3. Love you all and God bless!
