I realize I never really wrapped this thing up for you guys. Kinda just stopped writing the last two months. I decided to read through my old journals, which my mother insists on calling diaries, to find out what I thought the race would be before I left, in comparison to what the race became in actuality.
May 22nd, 2010 Journal Entry
“Traveling the world for 11 months will be surreal. Traveling the world for 11 months with my Lord and Maker will be unreal.
I expect to be at times: lonely, scared, tired (both physically and emotionally), upset, frustrated, annoyed at my teammates, have them feel the same way about me, and to be broken. I guess not in a synical way, but in a realistic way, I expect to feel pain and through that pain I expect to be broken. I expect to build lasting friendships, to see miracles, to impact others and let others have an impact on me.
I expect God to show me the world and in the process shake up my world.”
So the question becomes.
Did I find my expectations here to be true?
Yes.
I’ve talked before about telling a good story with your life.
Well thats what the Lord is in the business of doing in people’s lives.
Jesus wants to tell a better story with our lives than any grandiose expectation we may have had of what our journey would look like.
The last couple of months of the race Worship was much more on my heart. Never really had been as impressed on my heart pre-race. I mean at times, sure, I like a good song now and again in service, but this was different. Worship is becoming a life posture for me. Or at least I hope it is. Its how you go about your day. Its realizing that Praise is Befitting to the One who is constantly telling a Story of Grace in our lives.
The Lord taught me Grace this year.
United Pursuit Band sings of a “Story of Grace”
“One way ticket to the lion’s den
Got to go through the fire so I can come out again Fight for my faith, live what I believe
Got to stand on my feet
And sing Oh I will sing
Jesus You’ve called me friend
Jesus You’ve made me what I am
Jesus You are my life within
Jesus You’ve called me friend
Yet in my weak frame
I’m calling on Your Name
Broke my heart with Your love
God I will love You the same
Forgiven oceans I am
Brought to my knees
The story of Your grace
It fills me with the theme
I will live by the light of the glory you shine on me
I will live by the grace that you offer so freely”
Got to go through the fire so I can come out again Fight for my faith, live what I believe
Got to stand on my feet
And sing Oh I will sing
Jesus You’ve called me friend
Jesus You’ve made me what I am
Jesus You are my life within
Jesus You’ve called me friend
Yet in my weak frame
I’m calling on Your Name
Broke my heart with Your love
God I will love You the same
Forgiven oceans I am
Brought to my knees
The story of Your grace
It fills me with the theme
I will live by the light of the glory you shine on me
I will live by the grace that you offer so freely”
I go back to this song to remember what the Lord showed me this year.
I will no longer be writing on this blog site but have been encouraged by many to keep the story going. If it suits your fancy and want to follow more of my story as it continues to unfold, subscribe to my new blog site at www.nathansalley.net
This site will be a combination of story and photography.
Nathan
