One thing that I've struggled with during much of my life is looking forward to the next season verses living presently in the current season.
I've been plagued with this struggle for much of the race too – I've been longing to be home, which has resulted in me wishing away much of the race.
I've been looking forward to being surrounded by family and friends (even though my community of friends will look so differently than when I left – friends have gotten married, engaged, moved, and are planning to move).
I've been looking forward to the availability of goods and services – I will be able to obtain any and every thing my flesh desires! I may even have a few meltdowns because of this – there will be so many choices!
However, being home will satisfy me for a short period of time.
I can almost guarantee that within 3-4 weeks of being home, I will be ready for some sort of change – especially considering the amount of change I've become accustomed to each month – culture, language, continents ….
THEN, I will realize that the community of believes who have been with me around the world, who have been fighting for me, who have grown to know me better than I sometimes know myself, who I've lived with 24-7 for 11 months, who I often think are crazy, AREN'T SO CLOSE ANY MORE.
It won't take long until I'll wish to be back on the Race, but this year has been a once in a lifetime journey. Yes, I truly believe I will travel around the world again, but it will be different – different circumstances, different people, etc.
My 11 month journey has turned into less than 11 weeks.
In less than 11 weeks I will have to muster up the strength, while suppressing tears, to say good-bye to my World Race family.
During this last season on the World Race, I truly want to press in, engage, invest, and live in a way I haven't done on the Race.
I want to finish this race set before me strong – without any regrets. I want to push the limits and live the width and depth of life.
God has given me so many opportunities to choose him – every day is filled with countless opportunities to live according to the Spirit rather than my flesh. Sadly, I often choose my flesh – but I want to surrender myself to the Lord during the next 11 weeks. I want to live according to His Spirit, His strength, His direction, His joy – I want His love, His peace, His light to flow out of me. I've been learning this lesson lately – and I'm becoming more aware of this choice. When I choose him over myself, the impact is significantly better. He really does immeasurably more than I could possibly think or imagine.
I WILL finish this journey strong! I choose you, Lord.
Bucket List: (Things I would like to do before the Race is over):
- Lose myself completely while worshiping the Lord
- Roll down a hill in Ireland like I used to do as a little girl 🙂
- Dance in the rain
- Look and act like a complete fool to anyone except the Lord
- Walk where Paul walked, preach where Paul preached – luckily I have an opportunity to visit Thessaloniki, Greece next week!!!
- Cliff or rock jump into the sea and make a big slash!
- Attend a service at the Celebration Northern Ireland campus!!!
