As many of you know, I spent the past week and a half in Georgia preparing for the upcoming year. Training camp is one of those things you have to experience yourself in order to fully grasp what occurred, so instead of trying to explain to you the details in a lengthy blog, I figured I’d highlight a few(11 to be exact) lessons I learned during my time there:
1. God knows better. You can dream about your “perfect” week at training camp or plan for what you hope will be the start of “perfect” friendships or even draw up your idea of the “perfect” team, but God will come beside you and wreck your idea of perfection. He will give you more than you ever imagined and He will do better. Trust in that.
2. Moderation is key. This can apply to a plethora of things, but in this case I’m specifically talking about packing and food. No, you don’t need to shove in another five shirts and extra pairs of shoes “just because” and no, it’s probably not a good idea to go out to Mexican with your team and eat six baskets of chips followed by an entire meal and then shakes because it’s the first time you’ve been able to “eat” in 9 days. Be wise, my friends, be wise.
3. Prayer is powerful. This one isn’t new, I’ve always known the impact of prayer, but training camp further reinforced that. Prayer isn’t meant to be “saved” for the things we deem big enough or important enough. Prayer is for anyone at anytime. Pray constantly and fervently.
4. Be intentional. Intentionality can be challenging, but if done well, can change the entirety of your being. Choosing into everything you do and being intentional with the space you create allows you to grow and dive deeper into yourself and your relationship with Christ and others.
5. Food can take over your life. Seriously. If you have ever caught yourself thinking about your next meal while in the process of eating your current meal, i think you know what I mean. Don’t let food get the best of you.
6. Sometimes disconnecting brings forth connection. Technology continues to be one of the most mind-blowing aspects of our present world. How can something so useful be so destructive at the same time? It’s always amazing how taking a step away from something we deem “necessary to function” can be so refreshing and renewing. The depth of relationship and conversation reaches new levels when we take the time to unplug our devices and look away from the screen. I’m thankful for the challenge to “unplug” this past week at training camp.
7. Honesty is the best policy. Be open. Be vulnerable. Be brave. Share. Speak truth. Repeat.
8. Falling in love in 10 days is totally possible…Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson weren’t lying. Thank you to the men and women on my squad for helping me prove this. All the feels. Can’t wait for many more memories with y’all!
9. Comfort zones are a thing of the past. Challenging, yet thrilling, ridding yourself of comfort and normality creates growth and expands your horizons. Push yourself!
10. It’s not all about you. You’re hungry, you’re full, you’re excited, you’re cold, you’re overjoyed, you’re prepared, you’re hot, you’re joyful, you’re wet, you’re tired, you’re nervous, you’re bored, you’re emotional, you’re happy…you’re A LOT of things. This can be overwhelming and shift focus from your goals, but in reality, the most important of what you are is a child of God. Remember this during the next year, and really the rest of your life, it isn’t about us…it’s about the Kingdom.
11. Yes, you can. The enemy fights hard, but our God fights harder. There will be many times you think you can’t, but you can because Jesus already did.
So that’s a wrap. I hope this helped give you a look into my training camp experience! I’m so excited for what lies ahead…..INDIA IN LESS THAN A MONTH! If you could keep my wonderful team(picture below) and entire squad in your prayers, it would be much appreciated! GOD IS GOOD.
Team Agape Ethne: Eric, me, Bri, Nikki, Justin, Shonda and Aaron
Also, T-Squad won squad wars!! Woot woot! #TSquadonfleek #Dothething
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