Every time I share about the race, I pray for words and ask the Lord what to share. Maybe that’s a cop-out, but honestly, I never know which stories to highlight or how much to say. Describing 11 months in a few minutes is overwhelming. Every. Time. It hasn’t gotten any easier, but letting God formulate my words is making my life less stressful and way more fun. He’s reminded of words, phrases, and lessons that I didn’t even know I learned, and I am starting to notice a theme.
Be fully present.
Be attentive.
Be movable.
Last year I gave myself the freedom to walk with the Lord. My desire was to be a part of what God was doing in our big, beautiful world, and those three phrases encapsulate my entire year. Every highlight started with those three things. The World Race didn’t happen to me. I said yes, showed up, and decided over and over to be all in and interruptable.
I circumnavigated to globe and stepped foot in 13 countries, but my favorite memories didn’t make it onto Instagram. I have no record or proof they really happened. I wish I could share pictures and videos, but I don’t have them. If I was lucky my teammates captured those moments, but some pure, breathtaking experiences are meant to be lived not captured. Pictures never do them justice, so I just took in as much as I could right then and there.
My favorites moments were so precious that I didn’t whip out my GoPro. I just lived. I took deep breaths, looked around in awe, and soaked in the beautiful fleeting moments. There were times I forgot I even had a phone or camera. I remember stopping, staring out into the distance, and thinking this is my life, and this is real. I remember thanking God for the privilege of being on the other side of the world.
Whether or not we choose to go abroad, Jesus tells His followers to go and make disciples. We are all supposed to go. On the race I went to churches, home visits, orphanages, cell groups, hospitals, schools, markets, temples, and tourist attractions. At home I go to dinner with friends, the grocery store, the pet shop, the farmer’s market, coffee shops, and doctor’s appointments. In some ways, I don’t think Jesus cares where I go, but I need to be fully present where I am. Wherever I am and whatever I am doing, nothing is more important than what the Lord is doing right before my eyes. I don’t have time to stand still and check out.
Going on the World Race was by far the most exciting, incredible year of my life so far, but it will not be the best. The adventures, stories, and miracles I experienced can happen here in our midst too. Those miraculous, magical moments can happen wherever I go because the Spirit of God abides in me.
Ever since I was 3 years old, I have had a fear of missing out. I refused to take naps because something exciting might happen while I was asleep and didn’t want to miss it. Maybe little-me was right. In the same way, I want my soul to wait on God with anticipation. I open my eyes with child-like wonder to be aware and attentive to His presence in my life.
Especially since I have been home, there are people everywhere I go with few exceptions. If there are no people at my destination, they are people along the way. This is a culture of constant chaos, noise, and busyness. It’s harder to see or hear God, but He’s still here. I catch glimpses of God in His creations and He helps me see His people in new ways.
This year I said yes to being a part of what God is doing around our world. I asked God to determine my path and wreck my life as I knew it, and I have no regrets. He healed the sick, fed the poor, and care for orphans right before my eyes. I showed up. I said, God open my eyes. I said yes to being interrupted, and I challenge you to do the same. Wherever you go, He is doing these things in your life as well.
Stay tuned to hear where I’m going next!
