Seasoned: (adj) Accustomed to particular conditions; experienced
So, I was looking at photographs of my squad and I from training camp last year; I look like a child. I may have just turned a year older but I feel a lot older. Those of you who are slightly older than me probably giggled or smiled a bit just now but it is true. The race is kind of like a pressure cooker of information and experiences. This is not just accelerated worldly growth but spiritual as well. By worldly growth I mean “real world” adulting. Adulting means, the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks. I feel like I’ve done a lot of this on the race; from making sure everyone has eaten on travel days to being on time or even as mundane as making my bed (when I have one). Making the bed doesn’t seem that big of a deal to ya’ll but trust me… it’s a struggle for me. But more importantly, spiritual growth has been increased. I have learned so much about the LORD and his faithfulness this year. My race has been a first in AIM history. B squad has been the smallest squad to launch internationally, and been the largest domestically. We are the only squad to stay together post covid and the only squad to do both international missions and WRAmerica. This year has been full of the craziest of experiences and the most severe disappointments. But I know for a fact that my love for scripture and the desire to spend time with God has never been this important to me. The key themes that the LORD has given me are these: patience, choose to love, heart posture, wait, and be living sacrifice. These are some of the hardest lessons I have ever learned and I will continue to learn and practice fr the rest of my life.
The LORD is preparing me for my life after the race. I don’t know what that is. I do know that no matter what I go through, any storms or trials I experience, God has a perfect record of turning broken dreams and hopes around for our good and His Glory. When I walk with God nothing I go through is wasted. My past experiences have shaped me and prepared me for the future God has promises me. The race has seasoned me for what is to happen after the race.
