Guys, I’m in month eight of my race, soon to be month nine! Where did the time go?
I remember when I started the race and the end of it seemed so far away. The first three months in Georgia flew by, but there was always Costa Rica. Then Costa Rica flew by, but there was always the Dominican Republic. Now I’m in the Dominican Republic, and our first month here is almost over. The end of the race draws closer and closer every day, and our final month is literally right around the corner. The fact that I only have about four weeks left of this amazing experience and only about four weeks left living with my best friends is enough to put me in shock.
But, here’s a fun fact about me: I’m always ready for the next thing. I rarely let myself have a sentimental goodbye to something because I’m too focused on what comes next. High school graduation? Big deal. I was going on the World Race! That’s why you didn’t see any “Senior Sunday” pictures from me and why I didn’t think twice about losing my prom to the pandemic. And now, even though the thought of leaving in a few weeks is enough to bring tears to my eyes, I cannot stop thinking about what’s next. College, a summer job, what I’m going to do with my friends, etc. The list could go on and on. Which is why I know that it would be easy to wish away the next few weeks If I let myself. But that’s the last thing I want to do. I know God still has so much for me here. I don’t want to miss this!
I was talking to the Lord about this one day, and I ended up coming up with a list of ways I can stay present while I’m here and make the most of my final weeks on the race. So I guess this blog is more for me than you, but I thought it’d be fun to share this with you guys.
Here’s what I came up with. Seven ways I can stay present:
Walk in surrender. Surrender is something the Lord’s been teaching me a lot about lately. For this, surrender looks like laying down anything that’s taking me away from truly being here and giving it to Him. Things like future plans, things going on at home, insecurities and fears, and more. When I surrender these things, I’m trusting that they are better off in His hands than my own.
Be bold. Step out. I don’t want to miss any opportunity or experience the Lord has for me in the next few weeks, so I’m going to have to be bold and step out when He’s asking me to do something. There’s no time left for fear to hold me back!
Be intentional. Intentionality is a big thing on the race, and it’s needed now more than ever. Being intentional looks like choosing to spend time with my squadmates when I kind of want to take a nap, deciding to do optional ministry when I’d rather stay home, and so much more.
Be myself. Embracing who God created me to be. In the past I’ve wasted a lot of time trying to be someone I’m not, but there’s no place for that any more. I know who I am! I’m a daughter of the king! So I’m going to be my creative, passionate, adventurous, and sometimes awkward self.
Write and draw more. Capture the moment the ways I know and love. Writing, drawing, and creating in different ways have always been things I absolutely love doing. I can’t think of a better way to take in all that I’m seeing, learning, and doing here!
Stop dwelling on “what-ifs”. Let things be. Everything happened the way it was supposed to happen, pandemic and all. “What-ifs” waste time and keep me from seeing all the good that came from the unexpected!
And last, but certainly not least: press into the Father. Invite God into every space. Into each house visit during ministry, each impromptu worship night, even every card game and movie night with my team. Start and end my day with Him. Rest in Him. Rely on Him. Listen to His voice. He’s still teaching me so much. I need Him more than anything else.
Thanks for reading! Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated on this final stretch of this journey.
Love,
Mackenzie Tkach
