There’s this thing that some World Race squads get to take part in, and it’s called an Awakening. Yes, it sounds like a cult. No, we do not do weird rituals. I had one of the biggest eye-opening 2 days of my life, and I wanted to share with you guys a little bit about it.
At an Awakening, one squad gets to meet up with another squad to spend a few days together, worshipping and learning together. B Squad, which is my squad, got to meet up with A Squad. Now, I’m gonna be real for a second. I was not super excited about having more people around me than just my squad. I had gotten used to my people, and I didn’t know how I felt about adding more people into the equation. In saying all of that, let me tell you something about A Squad. They are absolutely amazing. I’m not just saying that because they might read my blogs, either. I learned so many beautiful things from them in just the three days I was with them, and I’m sure you wanna hear about what those things were! (if you don’t, read anyway because you love me)
First, I learned about how different our current lives look. Although we are all on the same mission trip, our countries and experiences have been completely different. You see, A Squad has not been living in a third world community like I have. They have access to wifi, McDonald’s, the beach, surfing, restaurants, and shopping. At first, I thought “What the frick, man. These guys have it so easy.” Instantly, Abba humbled me. I learned that, even though we are living opposite lives in opposite circumstances, we are doing the same thing. We are leading people to Christ. And that is no easy feat, whether you have McFlurries or not.
Secondly, I learned just how beautiful worship is to watch, even if you don’t know everyone you see personally. I’ve lead worship a lot of times in my 20 years (shut up Madison), and I can’t think of a more beautiful experience than worshipping with A Squad. It was unlike anything I have ever seen before. They worship with such joy, expectancy, and awe. They made leading worship easy. I opened my eyes, and it was like looking into Heaven. I wish my words adequately described what those moments were like for me, but all I can say is that Heaven is going to be so much fun.
Thirdly, I learned that vulnerability is a gift. So many girls opened their hearts to me over those 3 days. I consider that a privilege. Talking with women of God about their darkest moments, their sweetest seconds, and their favorite color is an honor that I will never get tired of. It made me examine my own life, and how vulnerable I am being in it. I could talk about how good this was for a LONG while, so I’ll just say that they are all my sisters now, period.
Lastly, I learned the beauty of the middle. The time between what God has promised you, and where you are now. I struggle with wanting everything right now, every blessing and good thing and life milestone. A Squad taught me to love the middle. To find rest and growth there. It doesn’t have to be a time of irritation, frustration, or hopelessness. It can be fun. You’re allowed to be expectant of how BIG God is going to show off. It can be full of sweetness and excitement and newfound thankfulness for where your feet are. My Dad told me once to never leave the batting cage. No matter how many swings end up hitting the air and nothing else, keep swinging. You’ll eventually hit a homer. Right now, I’m guessing I’m around the 4th inning. I could have a lot of game left before Abba hits a grand slam and wins the whole thing. I could sit in the dugout and chew sunflower seeds the whole time, learning nothing from the game. Or, I could keep swinging. Besides, I think my bat is pretty rad.
So, to A Squad, thank you. Thank you for giving me a place to hold Abba’s hand for a few days. Thank you for sharing your God winks with me. Thank you for being patient with me, showing grace in every instant. But most of all, thank you for staying in the batting cage with me. It’s so much more fun with you guys there.
