This past week I spent Christmas at home in southern Wisconsin with my family, and realized in one year I will be spending Christmas in Thailand without my family, and instead with 50 kids I’ve never met.
As the new year approaches and that time draws closer with thoughts and plans for the Race, I can’t get over how quickly God moves in our lives when we allow Him to. The swiftness of his plans are insane. In late July, I asked God for an opportunity to go on the World Race, not knowing how or when it might happen. In August, I felt missions tugging on my heart again, and in October, I applied and got accepted into the World Race Gap Year. And now it’s happening, and I’m going! The process wasn’t as simple during the moment, but when you delight yourself in the Lord, he delights in you, and it’s a wonderful thing.
But when it comes to everyday life and delighting in the daily struggles, it can become more complicated. When I don’t delight myself in the Lord I no longer desire what is good and holy, and instead become preoccupied with myself and what the world offers. To combat this, there are a lot of things I continuously pray for: putting others first, denying myself, humility, teach-ability, courage, and strength. I pray for these qualities daily because they’re my weak spots/growth areas, and I continuously find myself failing to be better than I was the day before.
Specifically, on humility, I’m not that big into posting about myself on social media. This blog itself is not something I would voluntarily invest in if it wasn’t required. Talking about myself this much is challenging, but I’m trusting it’s part of the process to build me up so I can build others up overseas. Additionally, many World Race alum and Adventures in Missions staff stress the success and importance of fundraising through social media…but my insides cringe at the thought of being that person. That person I never wanted to be who constantly posts about their trip, asking for money, and giving hourly updates about their progress.
In the end, I got what I asked for– this is humility, and it’s difficult.
Another thing I began praying as the Race became a part of my life was to be a window to Christ in everything I do– as a roommate, a sister, and a daughter; a friend, a leader, and an individual; and as a student, an employee, and a co-worker. My social media accounts are included in this, and will not be valued by their number of likes or views, but because of the truth I pray they tell.
I pray daily this blog’s life will be a window to Christ and not somewhere where I simply write about myself.
To end this post, I challenge you to become an open window to Christ, who’s willing to pray for the difficult things and to carry through with them when the time comes, trusting that God will give you your strength in the time of need. To truly strive to live a life that is utterly and completely God-honoring to the best of your ability.
It is not easy, but I’m right there with you. And if you see me failing, call me out.
Stay tuned (& humbled) for my journey– I’d love to hear yours!
much love, e
It’s You make me brave /
No fear can hinder now the promises You made
