This blog is written by my mom. It’s how she’s felt since I left 6 months ago. Hope you enjoy.
I am honored to be writing for my daughter Bridget’s blog today. She asked if I would, and I was humbled. Here you go…
My daughter has never been happier. She has no “paying” job. She has no college degree. She sleeps on floors and garages. She’s had to ride the waves of a pandemic while in the field. She spent two months in quarantine above a boxing gym in Philadelphia, getting outside only briefly thanks to a tiny patio. She has not been able to visit historical and famous sites along the way due to closures and a lack of funds. She never knows for certain where they are going next until a day or two before. But…..my daughter has never been happier.
Why? How is it that despite all that, my dear Bridget is positive, smiling and happy each time we Facetime? How is it that the physical ailments that plagued her while at home seem to be non-existent? How does it not bother her to not have a long term plan….for this trip and beyond? Oh, wait, but there is a long term plan….and this may be where the answer lies. The plan consists of three words: Listen. Trust. Do.
I know why Bridget is happy. I know how I can be happy. I know how we can all be happy. First, pray. Bridget and her team pray. They spend time being quiet so they hear and then listen to God’s mighty wisdom. When the Holy Spirit has reached their hearts, they do not doubt. They trust and believe. And then they go forth. They move to spread His word and His love, knowing God will give them what they need to follow through. That’s all. That’s it. No lists for the day, no worries about what will be tomorrow. Just belief. Just faith.
Bridget has been blessed (ha!) with a mom who “has a plan”. I make lists for the day, lists for the week, lists for the year, a list for ten years. I want to know what is ahead, and where I’m going. I think with my head more often than my heart. My plans, my way…..Bridget’s experience with the World Race, and her life in general, has helped open my eyes. I am beginning to realize that maybe the only words on my many lists should be “Listen. Trust. Do.” How freeing that would be….and if we all did this, the world WOULD be a better place. I’m so proud of my daughter and her team for letting go and letting God. They are an example for me and for many. I miss Bridget very much…so does her dad. It is hard to let your daughter leave for eleven months without fully understanding what the “plan” is. This is made even harder when you are confronted with so much uncertainty as 2020 has presented. When my worries get the best of me, phone calls from Bridget put me at ease. She is a constant reminder of how I want to live my life…. Listen. Trust. Do. Thank you, Bridget. Thank you, Blaze Trailers. Godspeed
