I’ve been on the World Race for nine months now. Since it’s the end, there has been a lot of talk about growth. Questions I’ve asked myself are: Have I grown? In what ways? What have I learned? Will I act differently at home? Will I be the same? With growth, there comes change. There has been a change in me. My perspective has changed. I see the world and His people a little different now. I have a bigger heart for hunger, poverty, kids that are parentless, spiritual deadliness, sex-trafficking, broken families, strict governments, kids that don’t go to school, sickness, and so many other situations. Ever since I started the race I asked God to break my heart for what breaks His and God has answered that prayer in so many ways. My heart has been ripped open and broken for so many people and things. He’s completely wrecked me. My heart aches for freedom and for people’s chains to be broken.
I’ve learned that I can’t take anything for granted. There is no reason for me to complain. I don’t need to snap at my brothers or parents. Gossip is pointless. Fake friends are unhealthy. I’m not entitled to anything. If it isn’t words of life, it isn’t in the kingdom. Hate is unnecessary.
The main thing I’ve learned is love and serving go hand in hand. If you don’t love, you can’t serve and if you serve without love, it’s pointless. Your heart has to be in the right place. During the race I’ve loved deeper and served a little more. Serving is more than holding a door open for someone or setting the dinner table. Serving is always having others in mind, before yourself and showing your love for people. Loving is more than being friendly or giving someone a compliment. Loving is opening your heart just a little to anyone but it’s also showing grace and forgiveness through hard times. It’s also getting to know someone deeper than the surface and continuing to pursue them. I’ve learned how to love deep and I mean deep. Living with the same people for nine months, you form a new kind of friendship. They see you at your best, worst, weirdest and anything in between. Shoutout to Lucy for being by my side for 265 days straight. Love you girl. I’ve gotten to know people’s quirks, what makes their brain work, and even what they do in the morning. I wouldn’t trade these friendships for anything else in the world.
Also the race has opened my eyes to a greater love for God and a continual pursuit for Him. I spend almost every day waking up and spending time with Him and His Word and I want to continue to do that. Sometimes I felt like spending quiet time alone with Him was something to just check off a to do list. But now I want to start my morning with talking to God. When I get home I am going to continue to dive deep in His Word and try to be an example for Him each and every day. And I am going to try to be a better version of myself.
I’ll be home on June 1st. If anyone wants to get coffee and chat about the race or just hangout when I get home, let me know! I’m so excited to see you all.
Much love,
Nicole
