For the last 48 hours or so I’ve been lying on my bed, listening to my iPod, and doing little else. I’ve come moderately close to losing my mind, thanks to this World Race-brand cabin fever.
I promise I’m not hiding from ministry or being lazy – a few days ago I was hit by some nasty illness which left me useless for a while and made the three-foot walk from my bedroom from the bathroom feel like a mile. (But let the fact that I’m posting this blog from a café show that I’m still alive and on the upswing.)
But towards the end of my unwanted confinement to the house, I had switched from my usual podcasts to music and a familiar song came up. I couldn’t remember having listened to it before (“Old Pine” by Ben Howard if you’re curious), but I must have, because it triggered something. As I was lying there with my eyes shut, a montage of vivid images interrupted my stupor.
I saw the infinite Swazi sky, illuminated by countless stars high above the mountains.
I saw the raw, untouched, unreached natural beauty of India
I saw myself sitting at the piano at our church in Cambodia, playing on the worship team with Ken and Recy.
I saw the 40-plus smiling faces I loved so much in Thailand.
There were more, but those were the most memorable. Immediately I was hit by the harsh reality that this incredible year ends in 16 days.
16 days, people. I am coming home in 16 days.
Well, I won’t be “home” exactly then. I’m spending a few days in Chicago, and then returning to Buffalo on the 24th. But the World Race ends in 16 days. Actually, we only have ten days left of ministry.
And to be honest, I’m freaking out a little bit. I come home with no secure job, and no concrete plans for what’s next (although I have some ideas/possibilities – more on that when things become more official).
I’ve heard re-entry is rough, but there’s no avoiding it, and the only way to find out is to experience it firsthand. But I’m coming home, I’m looking forward to being home, and I’m excited for what’s next, whatever it may be.
16 days, people. 16 days.
