Let me first acknowledge that this is a modification of a prompt I received in AP Composition ((one of my favorite classes in high school)). Our assignment was to adapt Michael Ondaatje’s “7 or 8 Things I Know About Her (A Stolen Biography)” as to where it was about someone in our life. Last year, I wrote about my brother, Izzy. This year, I write about the World Race.
There
There. Anywhere but my cozy, pillow-piled bed. Anywhere besides the swaddling comfort of knowing what college town I would live in for four years. One flight wasn’t enough. Two, three? My feet craved the same adventures which my imagination experienced.
Me, Before
Mesmerized by a daydream, my mind wandered along far-away mountains, greeting people whom I didn’t know and singing endless songs of praise. Oh, write the first four nonzero terms for the Taylor series e^(x-1) about x=1?? Right. Ummm…
Spiritually, Before
Summit Church on Sunday. YoungLife on Monday. Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Wednesday. A worn Bible always perched on my bedside table.
Spiritually, After
Everyday. Everyday I will make mistakes. Everyday I will fall short. Everyday I will wake up, already dead in my sin. But everyday I will chase the Lord and His holiness. I will strive toward patience and humility and grace and abounding love.
Me, After
I glance up from my book and smile. I’m surrounded by conversations regarding prospective plans come June, thoughts of whether predestination or election reigns, and speculations as to if team changes will occur next week. Freshly popped popcorn is handed to me by my teammate, Nata. I snuggle further into my sleeping bag, grateful for this perfectly random life that I have found myself in.
Here
I took the flight. Two, three. Well, to be honest, I’ve lost count. I’ve travelled to the places which my mind had journeyed in the preparation phase. I’ve felt the soft, red, Swaziland dust beneath my feet. I’ve tasted the spiciest Indian curry. I’ve heard the incessant giggles of children in Lesotho as they ready themselves for school. I’ve seen the most glorious sunsets and even more delightful grins. Here. Today, here is Kathmandu, Nepal. Here is where my heart is full. But now I realize that “here” isn’t the places. Here is in the presence of the Father. Here is basking in His goodness and faithfulness.
Reprise
In the next five months, here will mean a lot of things. In the next five years… gosh who knows? But my “here”? My “here” will forever mean resting in the Lord, trusting Him no matter where He sends and purposes me.
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest,” (Exodus 33.14).
All my love, P.
