I love letters. I write letters to friends, family, my future husband. I also love to journal, but have never, ever written a letter to myself in second person. Here it goes.
Dear Pre-Launch Rachael,
Can I just say I am so proud of you for taking this step of faith and serving the Lord this way at a time when everyone else in your life seems to be settled? Either with a career, a family, a dream they are living out. You too are living out a dream of yours. Ever since you went on your first international trip at 14 you have fallen in love with the idea of traveling, learning how other people do life, telling them about Jesus. Someone once told you that you had no ambition for your life, no career goals. I know you’ve let that penetrate into your heart for a long time. That person was wrong. You have more ambition in your heart than you even realize. You have a huge desire and passion to serve and be there for people. Your heart breaks for the world around you in ways it doesn’t even phase others. You have aspirations of being a mother, the most important full-time job there is. You have a work ethic that all employers love to see. You are so full of worth. I want you to always remember that.
This journey you’re about to embark on is going to change your life forever. Yes, it’s crazy to think that only 11 months can do that, but it can. It’s a long time and a short time all at the same time. Time is a mind boggling concept. These 11 months really are going to fly. I would encourage you to be intentionally intentional with your time on the race. Be intentional when it comes to your team mates. They will be over half of your ministry. Be intentional with new relationships you will build in other countries. Seek out people to learn from and love. They just might change your life more than you change theirs. Don’t spend your time worrying about friendships back home. The relationships that God wants you to remain invested in- they will be there when you get back. Although you may so desperately want to talk to your family or best friends, turn your desperation to Jesus instead. So often Father God has something He wants to tell us, but we run to other comforts, keeping the work of Jesus from transforming our hearts HIS way.
Conclusion: BE INTENTIONAL during these 11 months. If you don’t talk to your family for months, it really is okay and most likely beneficial.
The last thing I want to say to you is remember that God ALWAYS wants to take you deeper. Even when you feel you’ve gone as deep as the roots can go, there is still more earth beneath the roots. Don’t ever think you’ve gone as far as you can go. Look for ways and ask the Holy Spirit how He can take you deeper, take you even more sweeter into His love. You will grow deep and wide in your relationship with God this year. If I am being honest, you and I both know that you have God in a box when it comes to certain characteristics and qualities. Prepare for God to blow that box wide open. Be discerning and careful, but let God take you deeper into His character so you can know the fullness of who He is.
You wrote this line in a poem years ago:
My Jesus, My Jesus this race I will run. You’ve given me life, for You said “It is done.”
Run this race you’re about to go on with perseverance. It will be dirty, heart-wrenching, uncomfortable, painful. But it will be BEAUTIFUL, and you will never regret it.
Pre-Launch Rachael
