There have been many times in my life where I have wondered how I have gotten to where I am. I have wondered how my life would be different if I had made one small decision differently or been presented with a different set of circumstances. This point on The World Race is one of those times. I'm halfway home and already I know that I am a completely different person. I have seen the changes that God has made in me over the course of the last 5 ½ months and it blows my mind. I want to share some of these things briefly and I hope that reading these things sparks a desire in you to know more about the God who has called me to this place and has richly provided for me to be here.
- Silence doesn't mean inactivity: I've been a shy kid for most of my life. Even in adulthood my default state is one of quiet pondering. For better or worse, I wear my heart on my sleeve but I've realized that's not always a bad thing because, whether I believe it or not, what I'm diligently thinking about is important. If it wasn't I wouldn't be thinking about it. The down side of this is that I sometimes overanalyze things. It's tricky because I don't want to offend anyone but at the same time if something needs to be said I want to say it so I'm learning to find a balance between these two things.
- Only I can fill my role: Growing up I wasn't the best athlete. I often found myself wondering what it would be like to be a Michael Jordan or Bo Jackson and have other gifts and talents better than, in my eyes, the ones that God has already given me. I've come to realize that God has gifted me with exactly the things that I need to be effective for his kingdom. Through this realization and being vulnerable about my struggles, both past and present, I've been able to find my place on my squad. My gifts, not just the practical ones like writing and making videos but spiritual ones as well, have been able to be more fully developed as I have practiced using them every day.
- Hearing and speaking go hand in hand: If you're a Christian then you have the Holy Spirit. If you have the Holy Spirit then you hear from God. If you hear from God then chances are good that he's calling you to do or say something to or for someone, and keep in mind that that someone could be yourself. I've learned that when there is one of those things there is always the other and it's usually something that the intended recipient needs to hear.
So here I stand. 5 ½ months completed, 5 ½ months still to go. This is going to be fun.
