It's been a roller coaster of a week.
I've been to the doctor's three times, visited the bank "twice," was interviewed for a newspaper and talked to about a hundred people (perhaps the queen of exaggeration here?) about the Race.
I don't know about you, but the thought of going to the doctor's office doesn't fill me with joy. And three times in one week? Please, just end it all now. But the cool thing is that they're really starting to get to know me there, and they see when I come in, roll up my sleeves for the countless shots, needles, poking and prodding, look away, and cheerfully tell them that if I see what's going on, I'll probably flip out. The easy question is, of course, where are you going? This then opens up the door to tell them all about the Race, what I'll be doing (the little that I know) and why I'm doing it.
And sometimes, sitting in that room brimming to burst with needles and blood, the thought of running away screaming enters my mind (especially knowing I'm not done for a while). The nurses know this, and that helps keep me grounded and reminds me that my actions speak so much louder than words.
Midweek I went to the bank to make sure that all would be well with my account while I was out of the country (my card is set to expire mid Race). They basically told me that there was nothing they could do, and even though this was a normal problem, they weren't willing to go out of the way to help me. My Northern Virginian, fast paced, self centered ego was furious and had every intention of giving them a piece of my mind. But they knew my story as well, and what kind of witness would I have been to go yelling at them when I had just told them I was getting ready to share the love of Christ?
I ended up calling customer service, and they took care of it, no problem. Which made me wonder, how much of this is spiritual warfare?
The most exciting thing to happen this week was getting interviewed for a local newspaper. We were asked to email all of our local papers a press release, so I laughed, shook my head, and hit send, never thinking anything of it. But then out of the blue I get this call, and next thing I know I'm sitting down at Saxby's with Elise, who's interning at the paper.
Talking to her reminded me of why I felt called to do this in the first place. All of the drudgery and details had really started weighing me down, and the impending doom of bugs and backpacks was causing my knees to tremble with what I can only hope was a holy fear. But in being asked to really open up and talk about the issue, God just revealed Himself to me again, and reminded me that this is exactly where I need to be.
This whole preparation thing is probably going to feel like roller coasters the whole way. And what I think is crazy now, I know I'm going to look back on and laugh when the world underneath my feet disappears. For now, I need to remember that whether or not I realize or acknowledge it, I'm being watched, so everything I say and do must bring glory to my heavenly Father.
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:13-16
The times are crazy, but how cool is it to be able so clearly show off the work of God?? 🙂
