So, I just got back from training camp yesterday (shoutout to Jordan for bringing me home) and I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something. Am I missing the bucket showers? No, not really. Is it the different foods everyday? Maybe a little bit. Or do I miss sleeping on the ground in my tent? Honestly, yeah. I miss all of those things (some more than others lol), but the thing I miss most is the family I formed there. We laughed, we cried, sang, danced, worshipped, and so much more. Was there pain, confusion, frustration, anger, and a few other emotions? Yes, but it was worth it.
I want to tell you about the past two weeks I’ve been at training camp. It was easy, tough, joyful, and painful all at the same time. There was a lot of growth and a lot of change that happened in those 11 days. As I write this, I don’t know whether or not this will be a long or short post. But whatever it is, I’m asking you to read until the end if you would, because I have a few things to talk about.
Okay, so the most common question I get now is “how was camp?” – And I honestly don’t know how to answer that. I always say “it was good,” which it was. But there’s a part of me that want’s to say “I really don’t know,” because I really don’t. Training camp wasn’t good necessarily, but it also wasn’t bad. It just was. There was a lot of growth and a lot of feeling alone, even though I was surrounded by people 99% of the time. I made some friends and I developed some relationships that feel more like family members. But the most apparent thing I experienced at TC was learning that I still have I ton of growth to go through. And even though I have a big support group, I often feel like none of them would understand, just like they have things that I wouldn’t understand. TC is something I’m going to be processing for a while. And I think that’s good thing, so I want to share with you guys in my processing.
So here are some things I learned while I was there.
1. It’s okay to feel the way you’re feeling.
More often than not, when we feel alone or abandoned by the ones close to us, we like to act like it doesn’t hurt. We like to act like it doesn’t happen. But it does. It’s a part if life that’s going to happen every now and then. The thing we have to remember is that, through that hurt and heartache, there is safety, comfort, and restoration found in Jesus.
He won’t leave you and He never has, even when it feels like he has.
2. You don’t know exactly what another person is going through.
We as humans like to think we know all of the answers (myself included), and when someone comes to us with something, we automatically try to fix it.
we need to STOP TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM! Being there for someone and pointing them to the One who can fix it, the Restorer and Healer, doesn’t mean the responsibility to fix lies in our hands. Next time someone comes to you with something, try to stop and listen before you respond. Let yourself process the words they’re saying before stating your opinion. Also, listen to what the Lord is telling you in those moments, because He speaks. It could be something they need to go through in order to grow as a person and in their faith.
3. Set an example, be still, and be patient.
Before you post about how much the Lord as changed you and how you’re going to be different, actually give Him time to heal and change you. A lot of times we have these spiritual experiences with the Lord and they impact our life and it’s awesome. But before we even have a chance to process what just happened to us, we broadcast all about what He did for us before we even really understand what He did for us.
So all of that leads me the this:
4. Let the change happen and don’t compare.
Life as a follower of Christ and life in general has a BUNCH of lessons and learning curves, so take them as they come. Don’t worry about what the person next to you is learning. Focus on Christ and what He’s trying to teach you. We are all different and learn differently. So therefore as a good teacher He’s going to teach us differently, even if it’s the same lesson. It’s a beautiful thing, so there’s no need to compare yourself to others. Just roll with the punches and He’ll guide you every step of the way. And even when it seems like He’s not, He really is.
Now that camp is over and my squad and I are all pursuing the Lord with everything we have, I’m asking you all to stand with us in prayer. This is a very important time for all of us Racers that are getting back from camp because the enemy is attacking; he sees our passion and he sees that we want to go out there and change the world for the purpose of the Kingdom. And he’s scared of that. Right now is when he’s most likely to attack our fears, doubts, and thoughts. So please continue to pray for us as we spend the next 7 weeks processing and preparing for the World Race.
Thanks for reading!
