How do say it in such a way that words carry the weight of how you feel? How do you say it in such a way that people slow down to actually consider your gratitude? It’s pretty hard to compete with all the ‘noise’ of people’s every day. My gratitude right now extends beyond trite and “pleasant”. I would that my words felt like a hug from me…unless you like your personal space, then a fist bump followed-up by an explosion. (If you don’t understand the reference, please ask a younger person. 
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As I’ve walked through the process of preparation for the World Race, I’ve realized how much I have to be grateful for. I’m preparing to send out some ‘Thank You’ cards to people that have invested in me. As I was thinking about my appreciation for some of these people it provoked me to go deeper.
Permit me to rabbit trail for a moment; this season has been a difficult one for me. I’ve gone through hurt, anger, confusion and even battled bitterness questioning the fairness of God. However, I’ve come along way. To be open, I wasn’t exactly excited about the Lord leading me to the World Race. Though, part of my life didn’t go according to how I imagined it would work out, it became more apparent that more change was on the way. I was resistant initially to leaving the ministry I’d given three years of my life to.
If you’ve ever been directed of the Lord in such a clear fashion, and to refuse would violate conscience. That was the boat I was floating in. I may have dragged my feet at first, but there was no doubt the new direction my life was headed.
“Okay, if I’m gonna go, I want go now. Let’s get this show on the road.” So I applied for a July route. I didn’t care that it came with lingering deadlines. God’s able to provide all the money now IF He so chooses. Have you ever put a demand on God that might have been too presumptuous? Well, that fell through. “Well, another opportunity to be disappointed amongst others that I had already experienced.”
Fortunately, the Lord has His way of bringing me around to His way of thinking. You see it gave me the opportunity to connect with the Body of Christ in such a fascinating way. Really, a way that I would have missed out on otherwise. She (the Church) has been wonderful to me. She has been generous. She has been encouraging. And She has been healing for me. And I wouldn’t take it back.
Often times, people I would share with seemed more excited for me than I was. I look back now and kind of chuckle about it. But it helped me to have hope and a correct perspective. Just for the record, I become more excited the closer the Race gets, so hopefully I’m more excited than you are! Also, Training Camp is on the horizon. (A little over 2 weeks.) More on that at a later time.
Where was I? Oh yeah! It’s really been blessing to witness people’s willingness to be generous during these uncertain times. Whether they give out of obedience to the Lord, out of being a generous person or they just think I’m a swell guy, it has been very humbling. Especially considering my prior attitude in the matter. The Lord using these people to affirm the call to the Race has certainly soften my heart. With that has come much gratitude.
- The Lord. There’s always “thank you’s” that are due to the Lord for who He is or what He has done, but when His character of faithfulness is expressed in your life in a notable way, you are provoked to humility and worship, as was I. Even when my attitude was ugly because of my hurt, yet few would have noticed, He was FAITHFUL. Thank you, Lord.
- People that barely know me or we have infrequent contact yet have given towards the Race. You! You have been ministers of His grace to me. You have refreshed me with your generosity and that has reinforced my heart that He is calling me to the World Race. Thank You.
- Family. It is my understanding that some of my fellow Racers have experienced quite a bit of resistance from family or those very close to them. It has not been so with me. I’ve received nothing but blessing and encouragement from the people that mean the most to me. From my incredible parents, my sister, grandparents, extended family and so forth. You guys have been awesome! Thank You.
- World Race staff. To Kacie and Kellen, above all your patience with me, particularly when I have been indecisive at times, has been a blessing to me. The World Race is better for your involvement. Thank You.
Undoubtedly, the future holds many more “thank you’s” and for that I am also thankful.
