I’m 24 years old. Just about to be 25. Compared to the elderly people I work with, 24 is young. They always say, “You’re just getting started. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. You’re just entering the ‘real world’.” And most of the time, I agree with them. Wrinkles and hip replacements and great grandkids seem lifetimes away.
It’s not that I don’t have any experience… They’ve just had a lot more time to walk around the theme-park of LIFE. Imagine for just a little bit, that we are all in the park together. Of course, like any other park, there are height requirements and varying lengths of lines, but there is no end to the amount of rides in this park. Some people line up for the ride of marriage. Some people line up for having children or maybe for the ride of adoption. Some people line up for new careers or buying a house. With some of you, I’ve linked arms with and gotten in line for the ride of high school and college. With others of you, there have been rides in Australia, Africa, Asia, and now Texas.
While most of these rides are worth going on again, they have all been characterized with unique hardships and challenges. But there is one thing that has gotten me through every season of waiting, through every loop, and through every unexpected drop: knowing the One who created the park and designed all the rides. I’ve been walking with Him every step of the way, allowing Him to guide me around and show me which rides to get in line for next. He has always been faithful in showing up at just the right times and confident about buckling in beside me. It’s been a blessing never having to ride alone.
But to be honest… When He revealed the ride called the World Race, I wasn’t sure this was the ride for me. It’s one of those that have been around for a long time, but it has never seemed like the right time to get in line. There have been a few others I’ve known, applauded, and been so proud of for being brave enough to commit. But from my current view of the park, this seems like the ultimate thriller, the biggest leap of faith, and the craziest adventure in the park. What’s comforting is that with previous international experience, my heart for the loving and serving His people, and schooling at Christ for the Nations, it seems obvious that He was preparing me for this ride all along.
While standing in line, praying and seeking Him have continued. It’s been incredible to watch and learn from the ones who have gone before me. The adrenaline is sinking in. And it feels like the man at the gate just measured me, deeming I was tall enough to go and told me to get in my seat. With Jesus by my side, I’m holding His hand in awe of the process of preparation He has brought me through and trusting He will be there with me for every second.
Putting down the initial deposit and sending my support letters out was the buckling in and initial ascent to the top of the inevitable drop/launch in January. It’s a slow process and the emotions I’m experiencing are the same as when I’ve buckled in for real roller-coaster rides… Is it too late to go back? What have I signed up for!? Am I gonna make it? Am I gonna get sick? What will it look like on the other end!? This isn’t one of those fast rides that last a few minutes… but it’s a ride that lasts for a year.
A year of listening to Him.
A year of learning.
A year of changing.
A year of serving.
A year of living outside my comfort zone.
A year of surrender.
A year of YES.
My hands are up and I am ready.
