South Africa was a cold dose of reality. The World Race allows for some amazing experiences…surfing, bungee jumping, shark diving, hiking in the Himalayas and camping in the bush in Botswana. But it also allows you to escape. Escape the everyday life of America and sit and dwell with the Lord for a while. It is easy, almost natural, to learn new card games, spend quality time with teammates and read when there is no wifi, nothing within walking distance and non-english speakers all around. South Africa was different.
Yes, there was surfing and all the fun beach stuff, but it was also a lot like America. There was something new to do every day, wifi access at every corner, hot showers, comfy beds…you name it, we had it. We even blended in. We looked South African! It was nice for a change to not be assumed as Americans. This was the half way mark of our race. It was a great month and it was an awful month.
I had great adventures. I surfed and spent 4 hours repelling and jumping around in a canyon, but I fell right into the trap. I began to spend less and less time with the Lord. I began avoiding my teammates. I began getting frustrated at the littlest/stupidest things. I was back home, in America, living my own life. By the time I realized that I had been bamboozled, it was too late. The month had ended. I had adventure and gnarly tan lines… but what else? What about my relationship with Jesus, my teammates, my squad, my friends and family? Great pictures will not get me far in life.
I want this trip to open my eyes. I want this journey to change me, but has it? In South Africa it hadn’t. I am not okay with this. I am not okay with returning home the way I left. I am not okay with spending time with the Lord when it is convenient. Spending time in the Word directly correlates with my attitude. As one of my teammates said, “You have to want it!” I do. I want to get up early, if it means that is the only time I get to spend with Jesus. I want to dive into friendships with my teammates that will last our lifetime. I want to learn new games. I want to be kind, selfless, gracious, loving, humble and bold. I cannot do this without help. I am a weak vessel and will break when the pressure surmounts. But, not if I set my sights on Jesus. Not if He is holding my weaknesses in His mighty hands. My weakness is His strength.
I want to run this race well. I want to run with endurance. Most of all, I don’t want the momentum to stop when my feet hit American soil. I want to keep running. Last month I was running towards my desires. Now, I am running to His. What are you running to?
