Its been a bit since I put out one of these blogs. I guess it’s about that time again, I get to stretch my wings out a bit more with some good ‘ol update.
These past few months have been an adventure, where armed with my backpacks and a full tank I headed west across the country to San Diego California, where I now call home. Coming back from the race, I wasn’t really sure what the right thing was, as far as transition, I just know I did not want to sit around waiting for a “sign”. My decision to take a drive across the country was not so much based on right or wrong, but on what I believed would bring me life, life to the people around me and Glory to God. In all this, the overall plan was to work on a business idea in San Diego, a plan still in effect.
Cutting across the country was a great time of encouragement, and a part of the life bringing experience that I mentioned earlier. The trip was filled with opportunities to link up with some old friends and a few squad mates I traveled with.
I found myself in situations where I was able to encourage and bring life to others within their local environment, mutually sharing struggles, but being reminded of the grace and strength we have to press even further. I was encouraged and it brought life and excitement to my very core.
A little bit of the view I had out west.
One story to share…As I headed down through Texas, I got linked up with Allen, a friend of one of my teammates. Allen welcomed me with open arms, and although was a first time meet, there was truly a brotherly love reflected. We had only but a little time where we were actually able to sit together and talk, right before I passed off on the couch, tired from the long hours of driving I had been piling on. It was simple and just an all out joy to get to know Allen better, even though I had already seen his reflection of Christ in a very simple way. Not just by opening his couch to me, but the grace, love and attitude in which it was done.
Taking advantage of a nice comfy couch, I slept in a little, waking up late morning. The hot Texas sun was out, shinning bright, at an angle, peeking through the huge curtain-less windows in the living-room. The house was quiet, Allen and his roommates were out the house to work already. Yep, it was time for me to hit the road again. Grabbing my little bag, I see a little card sitting comfortably, boldly sporting my name on its face, easily drawing my attention to itself. Opening the card, Allen had taken a moment to send me off with an encouragement note that put me to tears…I’m tearing up just thinking about it…and a large amount of cash to bid me on the rest of my travels and ministry.
This is one of many life-giving experiences that have been used to re-affirm and grow me in my identity as a son and all that affords me and in a way, validate my decision to head west. There is more…He’s brought life to my character, commitment issues, boldness, COMPLETE trust in Him (still growing in that one). Needless to say, its been good and He tells me it glorifies Him to see me blossom into the fullness of who He has created me to be. It glorifies Him to see U do the same as well. What does it look like for U? Does that decision bring life of death?
