There are 8 more days until summer, 48 more days until training camp and 111 days until I leave for the World Race. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! Buying all of my gear has been a blast but not only that, Jesus has been teaching me many many things through the process.
When I was in junior high, this was really the first time that I had really considered what clothes I wear. I found out about trends and what ways to do or don’t wear your hair and of course, brands. I never really fell into the spell of wanting to buy the most expensive clothes (target will always be my best friend) or wearing makeup. I saw that living that lifestyle was un-unique and that is not who God was calling me to be, no matter which aspect of my life, I have always been called to be different.
So now, while I have been in the process of figuring out what gear I want to take with me, I am trying to get the best quality for the best price. The other World Racers on my team and I have been discussing what they have heard from alumni and we are giving each other advice based on our decisions. As I am picking these items, I realized I was asking myself many unnecessary questions like “Does this color scheme match? Is this too expensive? Does this look good on me? Is this a good brand?” The funny part about asking myself about the brand is that I have never been concerned about the brand name or the most popular items. Jesus stopped me. He sat down with me, asking me where my heart was.
I am seeing now why it is so easy to get swallowed by the thought of NEEDing the Osprey pack and the Patagonia shorts, the two things that I have to let go of. These things aren’t going to make the trip better or be more meaningful, they are just things.
Colossians 3:2-3 Stay focused on what’s above, not on earthly things, because your old life is dead and gone. Your new life is now hidden, enmeshed with the Anointed who is in God.
My life is enmeshed with Jesus! He doesn’t care about my external position but he cares about my internal identity. I don’t want to be seen as a brand, I want to be seen as a bundle of JOY for the Lord. I want people to ask why I smile when there seems to be nothing to smile about. I want people to see that my brand is Jesus and that I find my IDENTITY IN CHRIST!
