Who knew there were so many details that went into the World Race? I have looked at so many different tents, sleeping bags, and packs that my brain feels like it's about to explode. It is so hard for me to make a decision or spend money…but that's all part of it right? I still can't believe it's less than 4 months. Everyone keeps telling me "oh you have plenty of time"…yeah ok…like i believe them. It's not that I don't want to of course, but it's so hard for me to grasp the idea of time. I mean seriously there is so much to do in only 4 months. I never thought I would spend time debating the pros and cons of a synthetic sleeping bag vs. a down sleeping bag or becoming an REI member. Oh how things have changed! Is it weird that I get excited looking at tents and can't wait to get all my gear so I can test them out before the race…who am I? Oh yes, God's daughter who He has called to go on this incredible adventure furthering His kingdom for the next year…oh silly me.
I was sitting in church on Sunday (I didn't have to work over the weekend) and we were reading from Luke 5. I love the church that I have been going to since January. It hasn't been a long time, but the message is so clear every week and the Lord continues to speak to me with each sermon. We started the book of Luke a couple of months ago, and it's been quite the adventure. I love when you have a God moment and that's exactly what happened when we read from Luke 5. I have read the story of Jesus calling his first disciples so many times, but for some reason as we were reading these verses in church tears filled my eyes and I felt God speaking to me directly. All of the sudden, peace. Christ says, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Simon responds and says, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." After Simon did this, there were so many fish in the net that the boat began to sink. Simon fell to his knees and said, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." The others were all astonished but Jesus calmly said to them, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." The men left everything and followed Jesus. I realized on Sunday how much we can let fear keep us from hearing God tell us, drop everything and follow me. Are we really listening as much as we think we are? Are we too proud to listen. One of the things I took away from the sermon was "in order to listen you have to admit you have something to learn". So, we must humble ourselves and LISTEN. The Lord has a plan for us all. Are you listening?
