Today was a hard day, but it was also a glorious day to rejoice in the new season that the Lord has brought upon me. I had to say goodbye to my family, the rock that I have stood on for the past 24 years, but then came joy in the embraces from my new family; the 40 people that I am about to travel the world with and the 40 new friends that have become my family. So, while I am sad to leave my biological family I am jumping for joy to be part of this amazing X squad family.
Tonight after a session our squad moved into the parking lot for some time together. Different people stood up and shared what the Lord has laid on their hearts, we worshipped, and then Ken, one of our squad coaches, said that he wanted us to really think about what we had shoved into our bags for the trip. He wasn’t talking in a literal sense, but more in the realm of the relational and emotional crap that we were trying to find room for, but needed to leave behind. We are about to embark on this journey with our Heavenly Father and there is no extra room for those things that He is in control of. So, in the middle of this hotel parking lot in Atlanta, I finally released the extra baggage that I was trying to fit in my pack and take with me. My luggage scale might not show this release, but I promise that I am completely changed because of it. Who knows, I might actually sleep tonight! So, here is sneak peak at how this world racer learned to stop being in control and rely on God…for EVERYTHING!
There were hard core tears. And a beautiful hug from a squadmate. And it was in that moment that I truly understood where my struggles had been lately. I have never been worried about this adventure. I am not fearful for my safety or health. I have total trust and faith that since my Father called me on this journey then He will take care of those things and anything that happens on the race is part of His plan. What I had not given up to God were those people that I was leaving behind. I was so worried about my family and friends. My desire to love them and care for them during the best and worst times, but if I can trust my own life with the Lord then how crazy am I to think He can’t take care of theirs. I am a control freak in most parts of my life and I live to serve. Moving across the world makes serving my family really difficult, but I learned tonight that I can serve them by trusting in our Father to hold them, just as He is holding me.
So, family and friends, I guess you could say that I left you in the parking lot of our hotel. 🙂 I will not be taking you all with my on the race, but the great news is that I am leaving you in the hands of the almighty Lord who can do far more for you than I ever imagined or dreamed. Please know that as you read this I am lifting YOU up in prayer. You have spent months praying for me and I continue to feel the love of that prayer, but now I will begin praying for you. I pray that as I move into a new season of life that you will each embrace whatever season the Lord has you in. He has this amazing and grace filled plan for each of you and I am now fully trusting that whatever comes your way this year is from Him. I wish I could hug you all, but I know that our Father is embracing each one of you and bringing peace to your hearts, that you might know and believe that He is in control and this season of your life is part of His beautiful and perfect plan.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
-Philippians 4:4-9
with my love,
Sam
