Dear Jackson,
I’ve heard so many people say that they can’t wait to leave. They can’t wait to get out of that city and move on to bigger and better things.
As I begin to think about what bigger and better things they may be talking about. I get caught up thinking about some of the amazing things that are in little ole Jackson, Georgia.
God calls each of us to do some crazy things in this world and I’m currently sitting in a Cafe in Battambang, Cambodia. It’s the fourth month of an eleven-month mission trip and it really hit me today of all the things I left behind for this season that I had no idea I would miss. These same things may be the very things you look over as you journey through life as well. But I just wanted to write you guys a letter and let you know exactly how I’m feeling and be super vulnerable.
I miss my family. I miss my mom’s cooking. I miss Tessie’s grandma’s breakfast burritos. I miss rides through town with my dog in the front seat. I miss familiar faces. I miss crazy talks with my brother about life and serious talks about softball with my sister. I miss talking hunting stories with my Dad. I miss parking in the outfield parking lot to watch the Red Devils whoop the next team that steps out on their Diamond. I miss putting my arm around one of my buddies and talking about the days in Bridgewater. I miss the local church. I miss our local Mexican restaurant(it really is the best in the world). I miss seeing some of Hunter’s friends and checking in to see if they are ok and on the right path. I miss Tessie’s grandpa’s man cave. I miss playing golf with my Paw Paw. I miss going out on the boat, at the lake house, with my grandparents. I miss walking the dogs with FreddE. I miss my dirt road. I miss my water tower town. I miss Beautiful Butts County.
It’s funny cause when I left on this trip the only thing I thought I was going to miss was hunting and fishing. But if I can be honest, it’s not that at all, it’s the little things. So I wanted to write this to encourage you to thank God for the little blessings that you overlook every day.
Hug your son or daughter today and tell them how much you love them. Go have dinner with your grandparents. Go cheer for the home team under the Friday night lights. Smile at someone. Take a less fortunate family out to dinner. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. Go eat Mesquite. Go visit a local church. And at the end of each day, thank the Lord for allowing you another day in little ole Jackson. Thank Him for an absolutely amazing community. Thank Him that you at least have a job with an income. Thank Him for a full plate of food, even when it takes longer than you want to get there. Thank Him for the blessings that have become so mundane. Our God is so awesome and has blessed you beyond belief.
But I can’t leave you there. The Race has its ups and downs. I’ve seen some incredible places. I’ve met some incredible people. I’ve seen God do some incredible things. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. I’m about halfway through month 4 and I’m super stoked about the next 7. This has been one of the coolest seasons in my life and it’s such a privilege to do what we are getting to do. I may miss home but I’m not coming home. He has called me here for such a time as this. I have the most important person in my life with me (my wife) on this crazy journey. And we won’t give up, shut up, or quit telling this side of the world about Jesus Christ until our time here is up. Until then. I dare you to tell someone about Jesus or be Jesus to someone at huddle house, Red Devil Hill or just where ever God has you at this moment.
I love each and every one of you. You’re a blessed city and a blessed group of people in the greatest nation on earth. And remember as a wise man once said “RD4L”.
Peace, Justin
