Training Camp: Part 4
We’ve always been told that it is important to “be a leader.” Growing up, our teachers, coaches, parents, and other mentors have told us that the only way you can truly succeed in the world is to be a leader. So that’s what we do. We sign up for Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, attend all of those “leadership summits,” and do everything we can to get that sweet internship where you will be “leading” high school or middle school students all summer.
Don’t get me wrong, all of these things are great and I think more people should try to pursue them. I did it for a really long time and got to serve in some pretty cool leadership roles over the years. In fact, I got so used to it (and so used to people saying, “Conner, I see so much leadership in you”), I basically came into training camp EXPECTING to be a team leader. I prayed for it, even felt like it was what I was supposed to do.
But God (I love when I see a “but God” in the Bible by the way), being infinite in wisdom, decided I needed to do something else. You see, I’ve always been comfortable being in charge. Honestly, I LOVE being in charge. Planning, organizing, speaking, whatever. Maybe it is because I believe the old saying “if you want a job done right, do it yourself.” Maybe it really is a pride issue. Either way, God taught me a lot at training camp, and the main thing was teaching me how to be okay with NOT being in control. NOT being “the guy.” NOT being the official leader of a group.
This is something relatively new for me, and at first I had to deal with my own pride, arrogance, and similar sins that made me question if the World Race staff had “gotten it right.”
Jesus totally gut checked me though. Dang. I can be such an idiot sometimes. Time to put my big boy pants on…
After talking with my team and sharing my thoughts (even my shortcomings) on this issue, they were so great and forgiving of the stupid thoughts that I let satan put in my head. He comes to “steal, kill, and destroy,” and I’m glad the Lord helped me catch it before it could escalate.
At first I wasn’t comfortable at all with relinquishing control, but after reflecting on the entire week and the things I thought God was really trying to say to me, I know this is right. He has even given me some excitement for the role I will play within my squad and my team, and I hope to learn what it really means to be a servant over these next 11 months.
It will be different, out of my comfort zone a little bit, and definitely a change for me. But I can assure you: I am PUMPED for this new chapter in my life that’s about to begin. Im JACKED about raw community and servanthood. And I’m STOKED to be sharing this experience with the greatest squad I could have ever hoped for.
25 days to LAUNCH!
