Cookie Cutter 30 Somethings
Recently I sat across the table from a 30 something year old man. He had made a decision that was tough. He was raw and vulnerable, like an onion diced and set out to burn the eyes of those around. He said, I know I’m not doing it the “right” way, but Im doing it Gods way this time. Though the decision made was hard, he sat with an overwhelming peace and confidence about it. God is good he said. This same man has been chasing after his dreams for years. Empty but exciting dreams; Sailing the open seas for months, working the farm fields late into the night, and living it up at frat parties. But after years of unfulfilling adventure he realized that only the Lord could fill the void in his heart. His dream for adventure didn’t stop, The World Race was the perfect combination for decipleship and adventure. He pursued Christ like a trekker pursues a summit. He has raced and raced hard. But, now the Lord is calling him to a new adventure. And it’s not what a “normal” thirty year old should be doing.
At thirty the “right” thing would be for him to have been settled into his career. The “right” thing would be for him to be looking for a mate, someone to do life with. These “right” things seem to pull him down as if he is drenched in molasses. You can hear the weight in his voice. I can since that he longs for these things but knows its not time. He says he knows he will have supporters but there are concerns. What about retirement? What about the woman of my dreams? What about the fact that Im only getting older? A man longing for Gods will has been conditioned to desire “whats next” on the list. As if a cookie cutter has been placed around him, waiting for him to conform to its walls. But this man is defining what thirty should look like according to Gods will for him.
When my team mate Jeff goes home, he won’t be returning to life as he was used to. He will be a camp counselor. Something someone would “normally” do in college. He knows it sounds crazy. But as I talked to him I could hear the longing he has for discipleship. He desires to learn as much as he can about the Lord and camp life. Praying that the Lord would pour into him daily. Asking that Jesus would continue to reveal visions of a future camp that he will run for kids that are hurting, kids that need love, kids that need Jesus!
Photo Credit: Joel Witwer
Over the course of the race I have learned to be thankful that my husband and I are not following the traditional route. Not saying that God doesn’t have that in the plans for some. But, I think more often than people realize God has exciting plans for people when they live in faith and not in fear. Being 30, like my team mate Jeff and my husband brings more responsibility. This responsibility is not what others think it should be. Its not making the mortgage payment (unless you have one), its not putting a ring on a finger, or having your 3rd baby, the responsibility that God calls us to is much more. He calls us to follow Him; To not conform to the ways of the world but push into his word, to follow Him without hesitation.
This month the men in my life have challenged me. They have pushed into the dark corners of my life, exposing it to the light. Keeping me focused on the Lords plans. Not on the cookie cutter plans the American Dream holds for me. I will defy the odds. I will chase the Lord to the end. Are you ready to take the adventure of a life time. Men, are you ready to step up and be the leader God has called you to be by conforming to His mold and not the cookie cutter handed to you? Women, are you letting fear of security, wedding bells, and cooing babies get in the way of hearing the Lords adventures for you? The Lord is ready to hold your hand. Take the leap of faith… the adventure is waiting for you!
