When I told my parents and siblings that I was applying for the World Race, they were a little skeptical. Both my dad and sister thought a better post-grad option would be graduate school or getting job experience. I really respect their opinion and their influence in my life, so I wrote them a letter explaining why I was called to go on the World Race. This is what I wrote:
An open letter to Dad, but for everyone in the family to read if they want:
Dad,
I want to give you a full (or at least a better) explanation about why I’ve decided to go on the World Race in June. But first, I want you to know that I fully understand your point of view. Honestly, that is what made this decision so difficult, because in many ways I know you’re right. It is definitely more logical to further my education or advance my career, especially since those options would lead to financial independence. Additionally, I understand that handling finances so you’re able to get three kids through college with minimal to no debt is a huge challenge. I want you to know that I am extremely thankful and grateful for your hard work and sacrifice that has made debt-free college possible. It honestly changed my entire college experience as I didn’t have to worry about how I would pay for college in addition to fretting about my school work.
I’ve thought a lot about this decision and I prayed that God would make the right decision clear to me. I’ve asked Him to show me what path He is calling me to take in this next year. One scripture that is helpful in such a time as this is Jeremiah 29:11. In which God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” I know this is not a light or inconsequential matter and I think I’ve deliberated it seriously and carefully.
Though grad school or getting a job are the most logical post-grad options, I’ve allowed myself to look at this decision from another perspective. This new perspective has been helpful because I’ve paused to think: “What is the purpose of life?” or more specifically, “What is the purpose of my life?” I honestly believe that life has a greater purpose than:
a) having a career,
b) being financially independent, and even,
c) pursuing happiness.
Yes, all of those things are both good and important. One day I hope to have all of those things simultaneously. However, I don’t believe any of those things will actually lead to joy and happiness, so those things cannot be my ultimate goal.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I think in this time God is telling me that the best way for me to glorify Him is to go on the World Race. I am not sure why, but I know that God’s plans are for my good. Eventually I believe God will call me back to grad school and/or a career, then, in that time, I can glorify Him through those things.
For me, life doesn’t have much meaning or purpose without God in it. There are 2 options: either God exists or He doesn’t. If He doesn’t exist, then why are we here? What are we doing? Why are we laboring most of our days for most of our lives? It seems pointless to just work, work, work, while simultaneously looking forward to the next weekend or vacation which quickly passes. Honestly, that sounds hopeless and enslaving. This is why I believe God does exist. It is from God where we can find hope and a purpose. With God, there is eternity—something more than this day-to-day life. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins on the Cross then we will experience the gift of eternity in heaven with God. I am so hopeful for this opportunity to enjoy God forever. He is perfect love, peace, joy, and grace. This is how I find purpose here on earth.
Therefore, if God exists, I can spend my entire life serving God and living for Him. I can aim to make earth a little more like heaven every minute and every day. I can tell other people about the hope that I have in Jesus so that they, too, can find hope and purpose on this earth. They, too, can have the opportunity to accept Jesus and spend eternity with Him in heaven. This is why I am called to go on the World Race. Imagine how many people I will have the privilege to meet and how many lives might be changed just because I decided to spend one year of my life sacrificing time and money to serve God and love on His people across the world.
I love you all so much,
Casee
