This is a letter to many in my life who have led me, walked alongside me, or followed behind. (This might be a letter to you too.)
I’m writing to those who are also an adventurer at heart and seek out discovery and refreshment. I’m writing to those who aren’t afraid of mess, darkness, or difficulty on the road of life. I’m writing to those who know that restlessness is a gift that spurs us to change and service.
I’m writing to those who would jump at the chance to answer this ad: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Wages, provisions, uniforms strictly prohibited. Bitter enemies encountered everywhere. Long months of persecution, extreme hunger, and return doubtful. Eternal glory and treasure in case of success.” (Barnes)
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Farewell fellow adventurer,
I will see you again soon. I don’t know when, where, or how. Even still know that each adventure we shared left an imprint on my heart. Each journey prepared me for the next. You are part of this new one I’m starting.
Remember. We have crawled through the dark mire to discover the beautiful pockets buried deep. We have soared above the mundane and learned of loftier things. We have sat in the sun and soaked up the meaning of being.
Remember. We have played and prayed. We have enjoyed singing and swinging. We have worshiped even in hardship. We have built up and torn down. We have taught and learned. We have traveled on all kinds of transportation. We have talked and walked. We have shared and cared. We have done life together.
Remember: the joy, the sorrow, the challenges, the defeats, and the triumphs. Each moment, good, bad, or otherwise, is part of my story. That is something I will carry with me forever.
Look ahead now. Dream with me. See this story of mine that you helped craft impacting far away places and far away people. Listen as I use it to guide the hopeless to the Hope of the world. Feel the yearning of others experiencing brokenness and submission for the first time.
You are part of this experience because you are part of my story. Whether or not we ever get to be a part of each other’s personal daily stories again, you are in my heart and out impacting the world with me.
So I ask you to remember and look ahead. Know that as I go, you go. Hopefully as you go, I go too. Together we will impact nations. That is my greatest dream. Let’s see it done each day as we share our stories with the world.
Farewell, fellow adventurer, until next I see you.
