Since committing to The World Race I have had to make a lot of decisions. The initial decision to apply was when I knew I had to change the way I normally made decisions. I’m the kind of person who comes up with an idea and goes all out until it gets done. These are usually big, somewhat crazy ideas and most people think I’ll never be able to make them happen. In 2001 I was able to secure a career, a roommate, an apartment and a summer job in less than 24 hours. As much as I believe God had a hand in this, it doesn’t excuse the fact that I never really asked Him. So when I found the application for the race only two days before the deadline I asked God first, but let Him know a quick answer would be appreciated.
Going through preparation for this mission trip has really made me rely on God for direction and guidance. There is so much advice out there from alumni racers it’s hard to decide what kind of gear to bring, what clothing you need, and all the little extras. Recently I needed to decide what electronics I should bring. Do I just bring my Macbook laptop which gave me a bruise at training camp? Or do I buy a new, lighter, smaller iPad? My brother had me convinced an iPad would work just as well and it was certainly less weight. But then there were reviews from other racers saying not to bring the iPad. So I prayed about it. Somewhat nonchalantly since I wasn’t so sure God would waste time with a silly request like that. So without really waiting for a response I went out and bought a new iPad 3 and a really cute purple cover. I tested it out with blogging and pictures and played around with some GPS apps; all the while feeling a little uneasy about taking it with me. After two weeks with the iPad it suddenly died on me. It had been charged, I pressed the right buttons to restart and still nothing. Seriously? A brand new iPad 3 was dead in 2 weeks? Two days after that my iPhone went dead. Something was going on here. God, are you trying to tell me something? Does this mean I should take the iPad back and just use my laptop? But what about the phone? I still want to have the map apps so we don’t get lost! God, I’m taking back the iPad, but could you turn my phone back on?
The next morning my phone turned on, but the iPad was still dead. So I took it back, and I feel just fine about bringing along my laptop instead. I’ve also come to realize that God is willing to help, even with the smallest of details when we aren’t sure of ourselves. When we ask He will show up, even when we think it may not be important to Him. We are important enough to Him that any chance He gets to show us we are loved, He will.
