Today is my last day at home. Tomorrow I begin a life changing adventure. I am excited and nervous and a thousand different emotions you could name. I want to be real about that. I’m not going on this trip because it’s safe and familiar and I’m confident I can face the world on my own. No, I’m going because I’m confident God can do anything and I know He has something for me in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Chile, etc. There’s no other reason to give up the comforts of home than to serve a God who is bigger than the world and who wants bigger things for me than I can imagine.
Over a year ago I decided I was going on the World Race before I even knew what the January 2020 routes would be. And I told myself and God that I was grateful it wasn’t time to go yet. I was grateful for another year in Monroe with my friends. I was grateful for more trips home to spend time with my family. A lot changed in that year and I am grateful for the time I had with the people I love.
And at the same time I was restless. Restless to be in the world with new experiences and new people. Restless to experience the blessings and growth I knew God would give me on the Race.
That year has passed. I’m grateful that preparing to leave made it something I took less for granted than I probably would have otherwise.
I’ve been restless and excited and anxious and scared for a year now. I know this is right. God has opened so many doors along the way, even as other doors closed. I want big things for my life. I know God put that desire in my heart because He wants big things too. He knows far better than me what He made me for and what will fulfill my heart most fully.
If fulfilling my deepest desires and purpose means following God halfway around the world I would be foolish to hesitate.
I will follow God anywhere.
And I’ll probably make some mistakes along the way.
I’ll probably find joy along the way.
And sorrow too.
And things I can’t imagine.
I’ll probably be afraid at times.
And lonely.
And uncertain.
And confident.
And I’ll find new ways to love.
And if I embrace all that, then I’ll end up a better, more Jesus-like person. The ultimate goal is to be the most Jesus-like person I can be.
For now, as I did the last year of preparation, I’m just gonna take it one day at a time.
So, today I revel in the opportunity of one more day with my family.
I’m living God’s dreams because they’re so much bigger and better than mine.
What about you?
Are you letting God show you His dreams?
Are you surrendering in trust?
Doing whatever and going wherever you’re called by Him?
From what I’ve seen, there’s no better way to live. Even when it’s hard.
