7 Things I Learned This Summer:
1. People pleasing is not my middle name.
This summer taught me a lot about not being who others want me to be but who God created me to be and to take the next steps he called me to, not what others have placed on me to take. Well honestly, that’s very challenging, it looks like a lot of bouncing right now. But I’m living my life as a series of of next steps that feel very big right now, but I’m growing so much with each one I can’t help but see the Lord in each step and challenge. While it’s hard to move forward when your passions and city remain in the rear view mirror, it’s worth every second knowing the Lord has something so much greater in store. He’s not done yet, and I get the feeling we’re only getting started but the temporary heartache is worth the joy that comes in obedience to Jesus.
2. I wasn’t made to be a cheerleader.
I’ve learned a lot about who I am and I’m not this summer…What the differences are and what people want me to be versus who I actually am. And I’m definitely not a cheerleader. I’ve had people pushing me to be a cheerleader in the past — and I’ve seen the light this summer. I was not made to be cheerleader. Each person needs a cheerleader in their lives to whisper in their ear in the silent challenges of life to encourage them to keep going. Cheerleaders are critical. But that’s not my only role, I was made for more. I was created with gifts beyond just encouragement, I was made with a passion for weird stuff like organizing things, Google Calendars, and people. Above all, people. Cheerleaders often forget their purpose is not only to pump up the crowd but to push the team to victory through their gift of encouragement. They often forget they need to be playmakers for the big vision of the team and get caught in the excitement of the small rowdy crowd they’ve created with a single gift they’ve held so tight. I never want to be a cheerleader — losing sight of the goal, being removed from the game plan, and taking my eyes of the victory that’s already been won with people in mind using all the gifts the Coach is putting into play as he sends out playmakers. I was not made to be a cheerleader.
3. I’m a planner but I also don’t like having a plan.
This summer my plan has been completely turned upside down from the World Race being put into my heart to business now. I’m willing to do anything that Jesus leads me to and none of that was in my plan to teach for 30 years (that’s obviously not happening). I’m thankful for His redirection into more joy than I could ever have imagined…but I understand redirection does not mean retraction of my gift in planning. I know that I have a purpose to plan and create structure somewhere in God’s perfect plan for me; but it’s not for me to plan my life away or for me to create my own next steps. It’s for the Lord to use for his glory however He chooses. I’m ready and waiting, patiently planning, and surrendering every step of my own plans to His Perfect Plan.
4. Respect your soul.
It’s ok to love yourself. Let me say that again, IT’S OK TO LOVE YOURSELF. It’s ok to say no to others so you can say yes to you. I’ve seen the Lord take those moments and breathe life and miracles through taking time to love myself. For example, I love going to the movies alone and I’ve often said no to invites to say yes to this quiet space for me to be restored. It’s ok to respect the time and action you need to allow the Lord to restore your soul. It’s as necessary as the air we breathe.
5. Remove distractions.
This was a big one this summer. I often find with each next step the Lord gives, it requires me to give something good up to give my all the that Next Step. It’s ok to remove distractions. I was so scared to step on people’s toes by breaking a lunch date or ruin a previously planned meeting by following Jesus, but there is freedom in saying “no” friends. There is freedom in submitting to the Lord the things that feel demanding in your life and allowing him to remove the ones he wants you to give up. And it’s worth it. Every. Time. Because He usually gives us more with the margin He’s created in asking you to give up those distractions to your next step.
6. Stop hiding your dream. It’s probably someone else’s too.
This was a huge surprise to me(as all these lessons seemed to be this summer). The World Race is crazy. It’s absolutely ridiculous to think a girl like me could even be accepted to go, much less attempt to collect on the promises from God to attempt to go. But it’s amazing how this ridiculous dream has caused so many people to share their dreams with me. And the small word of “yes” given to Jesus has been used to inspire others to take hold of the dreams God has given them and act on those possibly ridiculous realities that the Lord wants to bless them with. Many people dream of traveling the world and serving the big C Church, but how many actually take action on that dream? Share your dream no matter what it is from financial freedom to missions, the sky is the limit. And if its God’s, it’s already done — so what are you waiting for?
7. I really love people.
So this was a beautiful and harsh reality this summer. I spent the summer in the least amount of community I’ve ever experienced. It was really tough, awful in many ways. But those weeks away from community brought so much clarity to my love for people. I now get to experience a renewed sense of urgency for community with others, for listening to the stories on people’s hearts the moment they want to tell it — not the moment I have time to listen, and I get to love people all because I experienced that distance from my community. I think I will always need to be around people, ministry has ruined me for every experiencing total solitude; and if that’s the only take away, I’m forever grateful.
