If you know me, it’s no mystery that I can tend to be a bit spontaneous. This, unfortunately, is one of my most prevalent qualities, and it’s no wonder why something like the race initially sparked my interest.
BUT.
I assure you–this is not a spontaneous decision.
I’ll explain.
As an aspiring filmmaker, ‘child-mason’ saw his own life through a sort of lens. Alas, that lens was covered with smudges and scratches, and, because of these blemishes, that lens tended to drastically distort the world around me. I was so oblivious–like any kid. And I’m not talking about my immediate surroundings (although the football team did call me space cadet for a reason). I was oblivious to what kind of life existed beyond my little mental bubble. I was oblivious to the fact that I wasn’t the smartest person in the room. I was oblivious to the gospel–the real gospel. Not the little recited five-point fairytale, but the insanely elaborated upon, hyper-contextual, beautiful, heart-wrenching gospel.
And it’s no surprise–I mean–tons of people are oblivious to those things–especially as children.
Needless to say, I never thought I would be a Christian. For a multitude of reasons, I despised what they did, said, and dogmatically believed, and yet, here I am. I’m about to embark on a nine-month-long mission trip! Around the globe! That’s insane.
So what led to this decision?
I first heard about the race, about a year and a half ago, and immediately fell in love with the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, going to new places, and potentially changing lives of others. Who wouldn’t?
But something held me back. Somehow, I knew I wasn’t ready for it. I knew that I had a ton of growth to do. So I dropped the idea for another year and waited. It was just crazy… So much happened in that year of waiting. So many unexpected events and heart changes and new friends, etc.
I’m an entirely different person than I was a year and a half ago.
So, about a year after my initial waiting (about 6 months ago), I “applied” to the world race. This time, it wasn’t because I need to check some things off my bucket list. Not because I was eager to leave the house, or become an “adult”. Not even because I felt like helping people.
I had finally realized the gospel.
That’s why I’m going.
There is so much to be said about how much Christianity has been twisted and misunderstood over the centuries, but merely talking about it does nothing but stir the pot. There is so much more that can be achieved when someone acts–steps out of their mental bubble, just submits to God, and lives a life of overflow from love…in deed and in truth.
Also. Even though, every Christian is “called to mission”, there wasn’t a voice from heaven that “called” me to do the race. I’m really going because I know that Jesus didn’t wait for an opportunity to change lives, he made them.
Maybe going to college right out of high school is the norm or “what’s most practical”, but I think we can all agree that “practical” doesn’t always mean “plentiful”.
So, if there was one thing I could really ask for, it would be your input. This could be an active or more passive thing. Maybe concrete advice, stories, help with the fundraising process, or even just prayer. I am extremely thankful to everyone who does this already and need as much of it as I can get.
Anyway, I think that explains it. Thanks for reading all 600 words of this!
yours truly,
mason
