I don't really like swimming in the ocean. It's not a fear of the water or the possible danger that keeps me away. It's actually just annoyance. The ever present salt that finds its way into every crack of my body. The seashells and seaweed that scratch and cut my feet and legs. The stealthy jellyfish that seem to find joy in attacking me. These factors typically deter me from spending too much time in the waves. I'm pretty content to stay on the beach chair or by the pool. However, the few times that I do succumb to the desire to go for a swim, there is one particular thing that I always love to do.
I walk/wade/swim into the ocean until the water is about to my shoulders, and then stand my ground fighting off waves until I find one that looks powerful. Once I've made up my mind to go all in, I pick up my feet and just let go. I let the wave completely overpower me and take me under. I give in to the force of the wave and ride it out until I get to a point where the momentum moves past me, and I'm able to stand again.
Call me crazy, but there is something so incredible and yet so uncomfortably strange about that feeling. The water pushes, flips, spins, and throws your body like its a pair of sweatpants in a washing machine.
In that moment, there is no control.
In that moment, there is freedom.
The World Race is an incredible journey. It is an opportunity to serve the Lord, live in community, see the world, and grow in Christ. Frankly, though, I didn’t want to do it. Yes, I looked into it. Yes, I applied and interviewed. Yes, I made a deposit and went to training camp. The process was hard though. I was more like Jonah than Isaiah. I kept coming up with reasons not to go, quite compelling ones if I may say so myself. I never had a distinct feeling that I should stay or go. It wasn’t something that I felt like God telling me I had to do, I just felt like it was a choice that He gave me. Eventually, after seeking counsel and searching my heart, I made the decision to go.
In thinking about what led me to that decision, I think it is a lot like when I walk out into the ocean. God was leading me to a point where I could be in a position for Him to use me. He led me to be in shoulder deep water and He invited me to let go.
Call me crazy, but there is something so incredible and yet so uncomfortably strange about this feeling. This adventure is shaping, challenging, and stretching me like clay being thrown by an artist.
In this moment there is no control.
In this moment, there is freedom.
God is inviting you on an adventure. God is inviting you to freedom. Will you let go?
Team Meno is now in Europe! We have finished the African leg of our trip, and we are safe and sound in Lithuania getting ready for an Unsung Heroes month. During this month, we will be trying to find contacts and connect them with AIM, so that future world racers might be able to do ministry with them. Our team is incredibly excited! Keep up the prayers and support. I couldn't have taken this adventure without you!
