The World Race ruined my life. It’s as simple as that. I went on a trip that I thought would be adventurous and help me to serve the least of these. And while it did do that, it did a lot more than I had bargained for.
Signing up for the race, I didn’t know much about it. I knew you went to a different country every month for 11 months, and for a guy who loved adventure, it sounded perfect. So I signed up. But then I went to training camp. And from the first moment I stepped out of my car, everything I thought I knew about the race was thrown away. Sure there still would be adventure, but this organization had something else in mind.
Now, more than two years back from the World Race, I look back at the times I had and wonder what in the world ever made me sign up for that. How did I get through it and how did the people around me make it? How do I survive now that I am back in the “real world”?
And that last question is the one I struggle with most. Want to know why? Because the World Race ruined my life. This adventurous trip ruined my life of the things that don’t matter. It ruined my life of wanting “things” and wanting to make sure my happiness was always the end goal. It ruined my life of thinking that I am better than anyone else, but instead we are all loved in the eyes of Jesus. It ruined my life of small talk and shallow relationships.
It ruined my trips to Starbucks by myself to sit and think. Back then, those trips to Starbucks were the “cool” moments in life. Everyone wants to be the college kid in Starbucks drinking his grande White Chocolate Mocha and reading a book. But since being back, being in Starbucks alone sucks.
Thanks World Race. And I mean that sincerely. All these things that were ruined in my life were all things, I found out, that were okay, but there was something more. Something greater. Now, going to Starbucks the only thing that makes it better is if someone is with me and we talk. Not just chit-chat, but have deep meaningful conversations that spur one another on in the love of Christ. It’s only worth it if we are there and we are talking about dreams, how to fulfill them, and what Jesus is teaching us in our everyday life. Heck, even having super-feedback(you racers know what I am talking about).
Its ruined me of being okay with the way the world is. I came back on fire for changing this world for Jesus. Bringing his love and his passion to earth. “May your will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven”. Its ruined me of people saying that the life Jesus lived can’t be done because the world simply doesn’t work that way. Well, I don’t believe that. And I don’t want to. What a hopeless perspective. Slavery CAN end. People CAN have hope. People CAN find love. The hungry CAN be fed. The naked WILL be clothed.
So, if you are a perspective Racer, or a Racer in the middle of your journey, know that your life will be ruined and it’s the most beautiful thing ever. Know that after experiencing this trip, you will know His love and that love will drive you to do some crazy things. And just like every Racer says, it has been hard being back from the Race. It’s not been easy, and it has taken a lot to get used to. It sucks at times. But remember, the times you had on the Race or will have on the Race and the things it ruins in you, it gives life to something much more beautiful. A love that is for ALL people, sans politics. A yearning for community and a deep, meaningful relationship. A desire and dream to change the world.
So, don’t give up. Don’t listen to those who say the world can’t be changed. It can be. And the World Race preps you for that, and helps you to see that it’s possible. Still thinking about doing the Race? Struggling while on the Race? Keep going! Finish the application! Finish the Race! Let your life be ruined! Mine was, and it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me!
