Sustainability: Definition?
There is no universally agreed definition on what sustainability means. I think that’s what makes this word quite fitting. The current society we live in, sustainability provides context to living a maintainable and beneficial life based off of standards deemed acceptable by those around us. Our careers, our education, our families. If we can maintain an equilibrium, a sustainable life, why change the course that we are being directed too? I prefer to view a sustainable life as your ability to adapt to change in every circumstance, not your ability to maintain your current standings.
To be sustained, you may think we live a repetitive, successful life. This tendency to soar through our life, unaware of the scenery that surrounds us every day and blissfully ignorant with the life we have been given. Each day feels the same, comfortable and sustainable. Haven’t you noticed how God seems to shake your foundations a bit when he sees you settling, when he sees your sustainability isn’t about adapting to new areas of growth anymore? He’s perched above watching you, saying “You need to begin bounding beyond these walls you’ve built. I may shake your foundation now, creating to you what may seem like darkness. But child, trust me when I say you were designed for greater things.” Sustainable, by my definition, means the ability to adapt. The ability to grow in changing circumstances. I can sustain my morals, sustain my goals, sustain the essence of who I am even when my foundation is shaking.
I have witnessed earthquakes in my foundations this past few months. What I once saw as sustainable, God is now telling me to move beyond my vision of what I can sustain.
2 months ago God told me the World Race was sustainable. How do you say yes to something which sounds, well, crazy? 11 months on a mission field; excuse me? 11 different countries; say that again? On top of all of this, a quiet voice in my head was saying if I said yes, I would be at my most vulnerable. If I said yes, I would have my heart broken. So tell me this, why would someone say yes to what seems to be an unsustainable life? I can’t tell you the answer to that to be honest. All I can say is I believe that sustainability isn’t always synonymous with comfortable. Sometimes God sounds like a soft knock, awakening you from a confusing dream. He’s sitting there whispering “I know you may not know why I am calling you, I know you may be terrified of the dark abyss you see. But Lauren, you can’t see the other side like I can and it is so sweet. There is renewal and forgiveness on this other side, but only if you say yes.”
So, here I am. I know this is supposed to be an “About me section”, so thank you to those who have stuck along this far. But, I think to really understand who I am, you have to understand the deeper meaning of why I chose the World Race. I am not one who believes in having a comfortable life. I am the one who will run tenaciously after the Lord, understanding his vision for a sustainable life for me is breaking chains and breaking molds.
If you feel led to follow me on this journey and/or donate, I encourage you to get in contact with me. I would love to explain more about why I chose this path and how you can join me.
