As we approach, at lightning speed, the start of a trip that
will forever alter our lives, the battle to live in the moment becomes
increasingly more of an effort. Personally, I have begun the countdowns, 178
days until I fly to LAX to meet my teammates. 116 days until I can quit my
non-satisfying job. 128 days until training camp, and on and on and on…but
who’s counting? Deadlines, launch dates, fundraising, gear to buy, letters to
send, blogs to update, it’s a very dizzying frenzy to be caught in.
We are all departing on this adventure, this race across the
world, waiting patiently to transport Christ globally. But, we are here NOW. At
times, it is hard to remember we still have so much to do, learn, and
experience in preparation. Last week I went to visit my brother who is stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He and I ventured to an exotic animal
farm. Surrounded by a herd of American buffalo, armed only with a bucket of
Wonderbread, my mind wandered to Himalayan Mountains, and African plains. I
thought of how, in 6 months time, I would be on foreign soils, helping feed
children in lieu of a 2-ton land mammal with purple a tongue.
Thinking back on that experience,
feeding upwards of 15 giant buffalo in the sunshine of a beautiful spring day
in North Carolina is a once in a life time chance. I let it pass my by, looking
too far forward to enjoy the present. (If you ever visit Jambbas Ranch, do not break through the fence to feed the buffalo. i learned the hard way that the electrified metal fence is in place to keep me out, not to keep buffalo in. Also, buffalo hate when you run out of bread and they are still hungry)
Clearly, we have to think of our upcoming trip, but to be so
caught up mentally as to miss parts of our lives now would be a shame. I would
encourage all of us to “be here now.” We are still 6 months away from departure
and due to the nature of this trip, we must prepare mentally, physically,
spiritually and emotionally. However, I encourage all of us, to live in the
moment, enjoy them for what they are worth. God has so much planned for us, to
prepare us for this trip, don’t let life pass you by.
“The months they don’t
matter, it’s the days I can’t take, as the hours move to minutes and I’m
seconds away.” (TBS)
( I put away my camera for the buffalo adventure….i hope you enjoy this little deer photo)
