I am a few short days away from the finish of this Race, and my feelings are still at war. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, on the one hand I’m beyond excited to see all of you beautiful people (and sleep in a bed) again! On the other hand I am beyond sad to be leaving the beautiful squad behind.
I’m afraid that during the last few days I have done a bit of reflecting. I know, I know! Just when you thought I was done with reflections, this blog happens! Don’t worry though, I will spare you all from the full list of reflections. There is just one that I want to cover, and that is the fulfillment of one of my main Race goals; the achievement of a global neighborhood.
A global neighborhood is one where people from different tribes, nations, races, and tongues communicate, learn from each other, and grow. Of course my goal for moving into this neighborhood is with the vital addition that we worship and praise the Lord together as we are united under the same banner; the cross of Christ.
I can’t say that the idea of a global neighborhood is originally my own though. In fact, if you really want to know where I got the idea, it is from Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Okay, it’s confession time! I love Disney and Disney World so much! It has been a constant place/thing, in an otherwise nomadic life, and it has been one of the many catalysts for getting me here (refer to “How Epcot and Indiana Jones Led Me to the World Race”). I have used titles for my blogs that are directly inspired by attractions or ideas from Disney, so if you’re reading this, Bob Iger, I apologize for the potential copyright infringement.
Any who, before I departed on this journey, my desire was to establish communication and relationships with folks of all tribes, races, tongues and nations. That desire has been fulfilled! It is a beautiful thing to be a part of. Whether it’s coffee and prayer with Kenneth in Zambia, or Facebook correspondence with countless Hmars from India, or even receiving news of a graduation or birthday from Ecuador.
I have the blessing and opportunity to be living in this neighborhood of believers. It is an idea and a goal we can all establish in our lives. We have the tremendous blessing of living in a very diverse country of cultures and people from all over the world and of all walks of life. We can establish the connections, and we can build the bridges in our own communities. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (NIV). So, go do it! The global neighborhood is achievable in your own town!
*The World Race has been a special experience that I am not likely to forget this lifetime, but it is a season that is coming to, and must come to an end. The excitement of living on mission doesn’t have to end when I step off the plane in Tallahassee though. Jesus did indeed say “all nations” in Matthew 28, so I assume that includes the good ole USA too!
*I realize that the last paragraph is a bit repetitive, but as our squad coach Tom Reusser says, “It never hurts to be reminded.” **
**Also repetitive. ***
***I am repeatedly using the word “repetitive”. +
+ I am going to see how long I can keep the word “repetitive” going. •
•Just kidding, this blog is long enough.
