I’ve been back in the United States now for a little over three weeks. It has been a whirlwind in the best ways, and also the hardest ways. I have eaten all the foods and have felt all the emotions. I have gotten easily overwhelmed by people and have craved community at the same time. I have caught myself becoming annoyed and frustrated at the American ideals around me and at myself for falling prey. Breathe in, breathe out. There’s grace. And in the Lord’s grace, He keeps leading me back to this letter I wrote to my Post-World Race self in Month 10 (Rwanda) – it’s like He knew I would need the reminders or something!
It’s a reminder of the lessons the Lord taught me this past year – that HE is better than anyone or anything, and my deepest joy is found in glorifying Him.
Dear Post-World Race Jen,
- Stay clear of the ensnaring trap of busyness. Your worth isn’t earned by hustling. Don’t become addicted to achievement and productivity again.You hated living life in a hurry. Be a Mary, not a Martha. (Luke 10:38-42)
- Be thankful for everything. Find contentment in all circumstances, like Paul. Christ’s power, purpose, and provision is sufficient to face any circumstance. (Philippians 4:11-13)
- Do not become consumed with materialism. It won’t lead to satisfaction like you think; instant gratification is all it is. Set boundaries. Allow people to get to know you without wearing a mask of STUFF. Life is simpler and freer with less. (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Your sole identity = A CHILD OF GOD. You were created by Jesus, for Jesus. Don’t compare yourself to others and be YOURSELF with all people. Your silly, whimsical, free, weird self brings JOY to the Lord and to others. (Galatians 4:7)
- Don’t make excuses or empty promises. Don’t over-exaggerate to indicate you are anywhere but where you are. Be honest. Integrity and righteousness lead to LIFE and JOY. (Proverbs 12:28)
- Boast only in the Lord. HUMILITY. Pride is ugly and is the reason for so many broken relationships. Jesus chose the foolish, the weak, and the lowly. Humbly share your weaknesses with others as to showcase the sufficiency and love of Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
- Practice open and authentic communication. Walk in confession. Don’t go to sleep without addressing your bitterness, hurt, or frustration. Ask and grant forgiveness daily. (James 5:16)
- Seek the Lord and obey His leading in every decision. No matter how small – like what coffee shop you should go to. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit even if it is counter cultural. (Romans 12:2)
- Even though you are back in the land of social media, Instagram still isn’t necessary. You have experienced freedom from comparison and expectations and you are able to be PRESENT where you are. (Galatians 1:10)
- Follow your dream and passion of empowering people to live up to their God-given potentials. Utilize your spiritual gifts of exhortation and pastoring to do that. Have open hands as to where the Lord would lead you in that quest. (Proverbs 19:21)
- Lay down expectations of people, places, and things at the cross DAILY. Surrender your fleshly desires in exchange for the Lord’s desires. By clinging on to your narrow perspectives and demands, you will miss many divinely ordained opportunities. (Galatians 2:20)
- Do not compromise DAILY time with the Lord for ANYTHING. Not workouts, coffee with friends, nor travel. Get in the WORD. No one and nothing in this life is more important than spending time with the Source of Life. (Matthew 6:33)
- Stay firm in your convictions, but do not judge others. That is not your job. Your job is to love. Love ALL people. The outcast, the homeless, the refugee, the orphan, the weird, the scary, the different. Love God and love people. It’s that simple. (Matthew 22:36-39)
Love,
Current World Race Jen
These are lessons that the Lord has revealed to me over this past year. None have I perfected or even come close. That’s why I wrote this reminder. I am human and sinful and fall short every day. But, by grace through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am forgiven, chosen, loved, blameless, holy. He is creating me to be more like Him every day. And during my interesting, sweet time of transition I am praying the Lord keeps me fully engaged with Him and loving His people.
As I’m wrapping up this last blog post, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has actively played a role in supporting me financially, praying for me spiritually, and reading these blog updates. Words cannot describe how thankful and appreciative I am for my Home Team! God Bless!
