I decided before coming on the Race that I was going to grab ahold of every adventurous opportunity that presented itself and do it. Traveling to 11 countries around the world is a chance of a lifetime and God only knows when I will have the opportunity again to do things like visiting the Mayan Ruins in Guatemala or boarding down a volcano in Nicaragua.
More importantly, this adventurous journey for me is about spreading God’s love around the world and growing in a deeper relationship with Him. Over time, I have learned that in order to go deeper with God, I have to let go and trust Him.
An adventurous opportunity presented itself when my team and I visited Mighty Rivers – a ministry housed on an eco-farm in the jungle of San Bosco, Costa Rica. And in order for me to grab ahold of it I had to let go and trust.
The eco-farm is surrounded by two rivers, Rio Perla and Rio Destierro. On this particular day we had the opportunity to go swimming in the swimming hole of Rio Perla. After a 15-minute hike, we arrived at the river and true to my “toe dipper” personality, I was the last to get in the water.
I watched on the side as my team enjoyed the water – splashing into it from a rope swing that hung from an overarching tree.
After a few minutes of calculated thought, I decided to get in the water – knowing that my limited swimming skills would be put to the test. I entered the water, inch by inch, made my way over to the swing and I did it.
I let go. I jumped.
Once I came up for air and made my way back to the shore, I celebrated overcoming fear – thankful that I did not let it keep me from enjoying this experience.
As I thought about it, I realized that besides making my way over to the swing, letting go of it was the hardest part. And similarly in life, letting go and relinquishing control to The Lord can be challenging as well.
It is my prayer to be in a constant state of surrender, trusting and believing that God is the One in control.
What are the things in your life that you need to release to The Lord?
In order for us to move into a deeper relationship with Him, we must let go.
Letting Go! from Jessica Shely on Vimeo.
