HELLO Everyone!
So, it has now been about a couple of months since I found out I was accepted to go on the World Race. I knew that I was going to learn a lot of life lessons before I left for the actual race, but the lessons I’ve learned so far have taken me by surprise. I thought I was going to learn how to become a savvy shopper (which I definitely have…you know I hit up those Cyber Monday deals), a prayer warrior, a tech genius and a fundraising guru. BUT…to my surprise I have been learning quite a different but equally as important lesson.
Don’t compare your journey.
I’m sure most of us have heard this before, but recently it’s taken on a whole new meaning for me. I’ve always thought it was so important we all run our own races and encourage each other along the way. I’ve never wanted to be a “Comparison Chelsea” (I apologize if your name is Chelsea…that is a fantastic name). However, in the first month of this journey I found myself checking on my teammates’ financial progress. I had $150 funded…and that was just the security deposit I put down to ensure my spot on the team…so basically I had raised $0. Some of my teammates had raised thousands of dollars already and were buying all of their gear. I was thinking, “HOLD UP…how have they already raised all of this support and how do they know what they want to buy…how..how..how?!”
I found it so deflating to look at my teammates’ financial blessings and their excitement about the new gear they just purchased. I felt like I was just so far behind. But the thing is, I hadn’t even started fundraising!! How ridiculous of me was it to worry about how far behind I was when I was just beginning?
I had to remember that even my financial journey will look so much different than everyone else’s.
I took a breath and reminded myself that the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is my provider. He also walks us on our own journey because it’s so much more beautiful, special and is a testament of just how personal He is with His children. I’m grateful that my financial journey won’t mirror any one of my teammates. I’m excited to hear of the amazing ways the Lord provides for each one of us.
Oh, and just a bit of encouragement for anyone trusting in the Lord for their finances…I have received pledges over the past couple of weeks that will total to more than a third of the cost of my trip. He is a very good God. Take heart.
— This is BaiT signing off —
