Good morning from Albania! It is currently 9:41 a.m., and is currently 2:42 a.m. (when I wrote this blog) in Albuquerque, New Mexico (my home). I will be in Albania for 9 more days then will be heading to Serbia on March 29th, which will be month seven on the race.
The other day I listened to a song called “Nothing Else,” by Cody Carnes. My favorite version of this song is by Melody Joy (the link is at the bottom of the blog). Look the song up on YouTube. I promise you will not be disappointed. The song talks about wanting nothing else but Jesus. It is basically saying I am sorry when I come with my agenda, I am sorry for when I go through the motions and talks about wanting to stay in his presence.
After I heard this song I sat back and in awe and convicted. How many times have I come to Jesus with my own agenda, how many times do I come to him for something or to bless me. My quite times with him have changed. I want to worship not because I want something from him but because He is enough, because He is holy. The other day I wrote in my journal “ We make worship about us. It is not about us. It is not about our feelings. It is only about Him.”
I am coming to a place on the Race where I truly want nothing else. No adventure, no mountain top, or ocean view can satisfy me the way God’s presence does. I have heard other racers say that towards the end of the race, they stopped adventuring in the countries they were in because they were tired towards the end. I have found this true for myself because sometimes the only time we get to go on adventures is on our rest days. There have been several times where I have had the choice to have a adventure or stay home. I have found that when I stay home and rest in the Fathers presence, nothing else compares. I am beginning to say no to adventure not because I am tired but because I long to be in the Fathers presence.
The World Race is not worth the adventure, it is not worth just seeing the world, but it is worth the ability to share the gospel, it is worth the change that the Lord has brought to my life, and it is worth the amount of time I get to spend in His presence.
Jesus, I thank you that you are enough. I would do all of this just to know you more. I thank you for the ability to spread your love and how to reveal yourself to me. I have yet to see anything as beautiful as your presence. I am sorry for the days I wake up and show up with my own agenda. I am sorry for the days I am just going through the motions. More than anything you can do for me, I want you. I want to continue on the race only in pursuit of you. Amen.
As always thank you for reading, especially if you read until the end! If you are reading this blog please comment your name below. I love to be able to see who the readers are!
Always,
Rocky
