The day before yesterday was one of my absolute favorite days of the race…and I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say this, but it didn't involve any ministry (ssshhhhh, don't tell anyone. I'm hoping God doesn't find out. Or worse, World Race staff members. Eeek.)
Why was it so great? Well, because it was an incredible gift from God that I never really planned on receiving. It was more than a gift, it was the taste of an old dream I'd pretty much put to rest…and He brought it to life. So, what was it? Well…I'll start with the dream (which was something I wanted before I met Christ.) The dream was this: To be a train bum…being homeless and riding trains from place to place across the U.S., living free, a day at a time. (I can understand now why Mom not only thought this a bad idea, but became slightly concerned for my well-being.) I pictured myself riding in a boxcar, with the doors wide open, feet dangling over the rails as my westbound train crossed a bridge with mountains in the distance and some friendly fishermen waving from the creek below. I'd have a cool train bum nickname like "Flapjack Mac" or "The Kid" or something equally ridiculous. Yeah it was a crazy dream, and not at all well-thought-out, and it came from a desire for freedom before I discovered it can only be found in Jesus…but it was a dream nonetheless.
As the years passed, and after discovering Jesus, the romantic idea of the dream always remained, knowing full well I'd never go after it, and that pursuing it in and of itself would be fruitless and disappointing. But from time to time I'd think about it, a little half-smile crossing my face as I played out the fantasy in my head. And then I came upon the day before yesterday…where God gave me a healthy taste of that dream, and shared in it with me.
Our team took at 30+ hour train from New Delhi to Bangalore, India. The best part was that we were allowed to open the doors at each end of the car, and just sit there, watching the countryside pass by as the wind blew in our hair. That is where I spent the majority of the daylight hours. With my headphones on, I was lost…taking in everything…the workers in the rice patties, the people waiting at each railroad crossing, the landscape, the animals, the other trains passing by, the buildings and homes being lived in as children chased one another and women hung the laundry out to dry.
I wasn't traveling west across the Rocky Mountains. Nor was I wandering aimlessly. But I was homeless, and living day-to-day! I wasn't pursuing freedom from man or from the law, but I was pursuing freedom in Christ, and pursuing others to discover that same freedom! This was it! Jesus was bringing the dream to life in a way that wasn't about me…but about Him! The dream I thought was long dead had been brought to life…and not because I tried everything in my power to make it happen, but because I followed His call to this year of adventure, of service, of faith! He was doing it, not me! And it wasn't exactly how I'd imagined (it was only a couple of hours) but it was absolutely fantastic!
I want to say it was magical…but it wasn't…it was spiritual. Because Jesus was there with me. I know He was. He was showing me that He really does know the desires of my heart, and that He desires for me to tell them to Him, unashamedly, no matter how ridiculous. (Heck, I know a true story about a kid who asked for an Ewok…and got one!) He was showing me that He longs to bring me joy, in a healthy way, in a way always focused on Him. And He did. As we passed farmers herding their animals I'd pray for them. As the landscape raced by I was in awe that He made it. As we slowly rolled though small-town stations I couldn't help but wonder about the people I saw and where they were going not only that day, but in their journey through life. As the trip went on, I continued to think that this was a gift He knew I'd love, and we shared it together. I fell in love with Him all over again. I began to re-realize I have a good Father, who gives good gifts to His children, regardless of how good or bad they've been. He is so good. So, so good.
Of course I had my camera the whole time, and I'd love to share some of what I captured. I hope you enjoy it, because I did in a way that I can't even fully explain.
Our train (right door view followed by left door view…)
Our seats (Haile joined me for awhile, as did my friend and squad-mate Addie, as did some locals…)
Our view…
Trains and tracks…
After rescuing me from death, and filling me with LIFE, Jesus did the same for the desire of my heart that I thought was a simple pipe dream from a life I was no longer living. Our Father truly, truly knows the desires of our hearts…and I think he used this travel day to remind me to not only share those desires with Him, but to believe that He will (and WANTS to) bring them to life, as a gift, from a Great Dad to His beloved child. Thank you Daddy. You are so good. (I had a hunch this was going to be a great month! And it's just getting started…)
