HEY COOL PEOPLE!
Thank you for taking the time to read some of my thoughts and observations about this journey so far:) I hope you’ll stick around!!
I have so enjoyed talking to people about this opportunity. Getting to tell others about what God is doing within fundraising, the new friends I’m meeting and what I’ll be doing on the Race. I do have to say that it is my favorite thing about this experience so far has been opening up about the Lord’s work in my life and hearing His work in others’ lives. I love that people are curious and are not afraid to ask about some hard-hitting questions.
With that comes some very interesting questions! “What will you be doing?” “Why are you going?” “What are your plans after?” “Are you hoping to meet someone?” While some of those questions are so fun to talk about, the last question is probably my least favorite to answer. If I’m honest, it is my most asked question!! Also, it is usually posed as a statement, “I bet you’ll meet someone while you’re there.” All of these comments I know are said with love, and I appreciate the heart behind it. Yet, I can’t help but think why this is my most asked question….?
When I applied for the race, meeting (lower case) him was never in mind. My thought process was that I would be meeting Him. Deuteronomy 5:33 says, “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” With this race, I am simply walking in obedience to which HE has called me. Now, it would be complete ignorance if I said I had not thought about it.
Of course! (careful, you’re about to enter my dreams lol) I can envision meeting him in my mind; I’m out evangelizing(which I should be aiming to do all the time) and he happens to hear me talking to someone about Jesus, we catch each other’s eye, talk for a while and just KNOW. OR we happen to be sitting next to each other on a plane or he just happens to be on the race with me. Dozens of overly-romanticized scenarios have gone through my mind. DUH DUDE that’s what gals do! Maybe some guys too ahahaha. YET, I’m not in a movie. As I walk in what the Lord has for me, I walk with not knowing if I will meet someone. AND THAT IS OK! The King of Kings could call me, or you, to singleness BUT not loneliness. He will never leave us nor forsake us. I get to walk into peace and so can you.
As I hear those questions and remarks, I need to also ask myself if I’m doing the same to others. Truth bomb: I am. I can recall making a comment to my friend recently, “Oh you are probably going to meet someone your first year of college.” What?? But what if they don’t?? That’s not the reason they are going to school! That’s not their purpose! We, “ are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Obviously much more than our relationship status.
It seems like in today’s culture that if you’re not dating, engaged or have a baby on the way, well gosh dang you better do it soon or I will use my judgment eyes!! YES, all of that is astounding and a true blessing!!! Although, that’s not all there is to life. As mentioned, it’s not just about the relationship side of things, I believe that is the mindset of “the next best thing”. Ok, you’re doing this in your life and everything is going great but let’s keep going “up”.
“You have a kid? Time for #2!”
“You’re engaged?! When is the wedding and do you want kid’s right off?”
“You got a new job? How long do you think you’ll stay there until you find another?”
All great questions! All are brought from love… but what about God moving in the here and now? Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” YO He’s enough. God has called us to walk in obedience, we are chosen people who have the enjoyment of being with Him and not worrying about the next thing. Walking WITH Him is enough. He has the next best thing!!! His plans for our lives are not what culture poses them to be!
I love y’all BIGBIG and I cannot wait for the quickly approaching race! SOOOOOO to all those asking if I’m planning on meeting someone and/or to those who assume I will, I’m pretty good where I am! The next best thing is in God hands right! I’m lovin’ singleness season and growing in Him as an independent:) also….. I’m only 17…. Always time:)
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk
