Dear Future Racers,
Yeah, you probably came on here looking for a packing list (GOTCHA! that blog will happen later), but first I wanted to talk to you about something I’ve been learning:
Coming on the Race, I knew there was a real possibility that my stuff could get stolen. I had even considered getting traveler’s insurance on my electronics. Instead, I prayed that I wouldn’t have an unhealthy attachment to them. I never want my possessions to possess me. Everything is replaceable, and really, it’s not that important.
Just as a reminder:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Jesus, Matt. 6:21
I would say that over the Race, I’ve done a decent job remembering that my stuff is just stuff…
then my teammate’s backpack got stolen.
It really can happen to anyone. Dez, Jess and I went to the park earlier this week to make the most of our free time. Dez was practicing some songs she would be playing that night, and Jess and I had both gotten involved in some conversations with locals. Jess and I both had our bags in our laps. Dez was playing guitar, and that didn’t leave room for a backpack on her lap. Dez’s backpack got stolen as people crowded in the pavilion to escape a rainstorm. Her computer, camera and wallet were gone. In the time since, both Jess and I have done what we can to help by sharing what we can: our computers, iphones, skype calling plans, etc.
Today, Dez asked me for the one thing that I did not want to share: my camera (okay, 2 things– she asked to borrow my deodorant this morning, but that’s a different bag of cats altogether). My Nikon DSLR is something I’m extremely protective over. I don’t like other people using it unless if they’re familiar with DSLRs. So when Dez came over on our boat tour of the Mekong River delta and asked to use my camera, I hesitated before reluctantly agreeing to let her use it. I had a full-on battle in my head [read: panic attack] during the few minutes she was snapping photos. I debated interrupting her to show her how to use it. I even turned around to ask her to put the neck strap on… just in case… we were on a boat, after all.
All along, I’ve been able to accept that my things could be stolen out of MY possession. If someone stole my stuff, it would be due to my own carelessness or something I couldn’t help. Today was proof that I definitely had room to grow. The issues at hand were TRUST and CONTROL:
Do I really trust anyone to take care of my things the way that I would?
Can I let go of control?
How much do I really allow my possessions to possess me?
Those thoughts were piercing my mind as I forced myself to “logic” my way out of what I knew was a ridiculous panic attack. I knew my attitude was wrong. I knew I needed God to change my heart. I kept thinking back to stories of the early church in Acts and how they shared everything (4:32-35). That’s what this year is about, right?:
Living in community like the early Church.
Embracing abandonment.
Loving like Jesus.
In conclusion, Future Racers,
I really encourage you to begin praying for an attitude shift. Don’t make it to month 8 with this being one of your blind spots. Don’t let the enemy have any foothold, in this area or any other way. As I pray to have Jesus continue to change my heart in this area, I’m also praying for you.
Love and noodles,
Emma
PS. If anyone can/would like to help Dez replace her stolen items, she has posted a blog with a link to PayPal.
