Dear Self,
Did you realize that January 1, 2015 when you chose the word “SERVANT” as your “Word to Live By” this year that it would serve to stretch you further than the thoughtful texts, the small favors, and the random acts of kindness? Or did you realize that experiencing God in a new way on your first international mission trip in high school would have completely transformed your mindset, your heart and life plan and led you to several other opportunities to fall in love with international missions? So Kirsten, as you are preparing for this new adventure of life, here are a couple of things I want you to hang on to:
This year I hope you fully embrace the community surrounding you. I hope you learn how to be vulnerable, I mean truly vulnerable. These people will be your family and your shoulders to lean on. Trust them with your trials, your triumphs, your sins, your good news, your bad news, and your LIFE! You have such a great opportunity to grow with an awesome group of believers around you who will be dealing with battles of their own. You are not alone. Lean on one another.
You’re going to have to get used to not having control of situations. Remember that you are no super hero. There will be times over this next year where you will find that you alone cannot solve a problem. Don’t get discouraged. Let your heart break for the things that break His. When you find yourself in situations (and there will be MANY) that demand more than you can offer, PRAY. Prayer is our most powerful tool as followers of Christ.
And lastly, as you are re-reading this in the middle of the Race, probably a little tired, worn down, and potentially have found yourself going through the motions, remember that every day is a blessing. Every day you have the opportunity to impact the Kingdom and every day Jesus asks you to call on Him for strength that cannot be replenished by the world, but only by Him. Fall into Him. Soak up his Word.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:9-10
GET EXCITED BECAUSE THIS YEAR IS ABOUT TO BE HUGE!!
XOXO,
Kirsten
