As the months pass on the Race, some things have become normal, almost mundane. Sleeping in strange accommodations, sharing a bedroom with multiple people, bargaining with tuk-tuk drivers, using new currency every month. It has become just a part of “my life”. It is so easy to adjust to new locations and circumstances that it only takes a couple hours to feel comfortable. Each transition is easier then the last. But as I gain a new sense of normalcy each month, there are other matters that become more difficult as the days pass.
This month it has been a struggle to really press in to life, ministry and community at times. My body is tired, my emotions are stretched and my mind is very aware of the little time I have left on the field. In 3 months my feet will land back on “The Rock” (what Newfoundlanders very affectionately call Newfoundland). I am still very much excited about ministry and life in each country but the World Race has a way of making you dig deep in your heart, soul and mind. Honestly, after 8 months, my emotions have made my body tired. I am mentally and emotionally tired on a very regular basis lately.
Some days pressing in requires all my mental energy. Then it’s like a strange switch. The more I press in, the easier it becomes to keep pushing myself. It has become a CHOICE to press in and continue to be vulnerable and open, to continue to let others push me and to push myself. As we were told at our last debrief, “finish strong”. I won’t allow myself to get this far and then not finish the Race with all that I have in me. I want to make these last couple of months powerful and life-changing. It’s so easy to think about home and realize how close it is coming to being there. But I choose to be present HERE, in the moment. I choose to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people I meet and interact with.
I am going to continue listening to Gods voice and searching for more of Him each day. Gods pursuit of me is strong. He has been pursuing me the whole Race. I know that He is pursuing me with a fierce vengeance as I walk into the last leg of the World Race. I’m holding out my hand and I’m going to grab on tight. This opportunity of gaining a much deeper intimacy with God is not to be wasted.
As my squad ventures into MONTH 9, I refuse to let anything in life become mundane or “normal”. I want to choose to see everyday as an opportunity, as an exciting adventure. When we choose to see God in every moment and in the tiniest of details, wonder is in every look, and everywhere our eyes land is a thing of beauty. I ask God to give me His eyes everyday. his eyes for His creation, His eyes for each country and His eyes for His people. Every moment, every second of life is a miracle. Each blooming flower, the rustling leaves, the blazing blue sky, even the tiny, biting ants are all marvels of His handiwork. I have the privilege of seeing His creation in 11 countries this year and I won’t forget how much He has blessed me.
