I love lists! Check lists, to-do lists, grocery lists, and various other types of lists. There’s just something about checking things off your list as ‘DONE’ that brings a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, I even put things on my To-do lists that I have already done…just so that I feel like I’ve already accomplished something. #1: Wake up. Check! Look at me already getting things done today!!
So, as I try to figure out how to get ready for an 11 month adventure with Jesus around the world, naturally, I need a list!
Step 1. Figure out what supplies I need. I had the rare and precious opportunity to be back with my family for a few days before they head off for a grand adventure of their own and I puppy and pool (I mean house) sit for a few weeks. So, I decided to drag them to REI with me to start tent shopping. My mom took pictures while my dad and I climbed inside of tents and laid on all the sleeping pads.
As I was looking back and laughing at our pictures, I couldn’t help but remember one of my favorite names of God. Emmanuel: God is with us. He is God. He can’t help that…but He chose to be with us. With me! Think about it…God. The Almighty, Uncreated, and Everlasting God chose me.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8)
He chose me, and made a way, by the Precious Holy Spirit, to stay with me. His promise to me is ‘Lo, I am with you, always, even to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). So, my Father – the Infinite and Uncontainable One – is with me. He is an ever present help (Psalm 46). So, whatever this journey brings and wherever it takes me, I am confident of this: He already knows and He’s going with me! And, I can’t wait to run this race with Him and come closer still to His heart.
Step 2: In Paul’s words (1 Corinthians 9:27), I beat my body and make it my slave. Or in my case, Tony Horton from P90X does it! If I have to carry my life around with me for 11 months, I’ve got to be strong enough to do it, right? I’ll let you know how it goes…that is, if I can lift my arms to type.
