Greetings Reader,
After having a disagreement with another team mate I was encouraged to take my feelings to the Lord. Usually I get mad, sad, accuse, and then finally settle on what I have done and try to find a way to make things better. Even when altercations are less than beautiful, it forces us to dig deep and learn. I found that throughout my short life righteous anger and disagreements aren’t always bad.
So when I took my grievances to God I asked him “What should I say?” I know that if I let my mouth run away with my thoughts (that justified my feelings) it wouldn’t be helpful in this relationship. God in turn told me “Be gentle.” Side note: That’s irritating! I don’t want to be gentle because a part of me feels like I’m not defending myself. I don’t want to ever back down from a fight, especially one that I know that I can win.
After hearing the Lord’s answer I went to my race journal that was given to us when we launched. In the back of the journal there are questions the staff at Adventures In Missions wanted us to ask ourselves. The one that caught my eye is “Are you displaying love in the ways that are described in 1 Corinthians 13?” Rolling my eyes with deep conviction I went to the chapter and read. At the end of the chapter is says that “Love endures all things.”
Let me just say that endurance is something that I take pride in. Endurance is something that I believe every follower of Jesus should take pride in. The world may and will fall away, but through God’s love we endure in this life no matter what. We lean into God and each other and we make it one more day. I’ve seen so many wonderful/horrible examples of this. I’ve seen friends endure who have lost children, husbands, careers, and all they hold dear. Because of God they have endured and I marvel at the sight of them. I strive to have that faith.
Now knowing what God is asking of me I will try my hardest to follow his example. I will endure in these relationships that He himself have put me in. It won’t be easy, but come on… when is life every really easy? I will love them and do life with them to the best of my ability. I will fight for them and with them and try to display the love that God has shown me. Hopefully though this lesson I will feel less likely to vindicate my emotions because I have been vindicated.
Love endures all things… every single thing… no exceptions.
Thank you to those who have sacrificed for me to be here. It will never go unnoticed.
With Gratitude,
Kirbie Head, World Racer
