Do you ever feel like you have this whole life thing figured out? And then one day you don’t?
Story of my life.
It seems to me like that’s how it’s always been and it’s no different when it comes to the World Race.
I wanted to be a doctor. I had an idea of how life would go and that’s what was going to happen. I’d become a doctor, do well, and give to missionaries. That was the goal. That was the dream. And then God happened.
Understand this, I had been following Jesus when I wanted to be a doctor, but the deeper our relationship grew, the easier it was to see God and what He wanted for my life. It was hard. Giving up a plan you’ve had for years is no easy thing. Scratch that. Following God in general is no easy thing. Simple, but not easy.
“You will be a teacher.”
Umm… no. I think you’ve got that wrong.
How does one jump from medicine to teaching? Through a year’s worth of battling and debating and ignoring what I knew had to be done. I couldn’t come to terms with it so I did the only thing I knew how, ignore it and run away from my problems (super Jesus like, I know) for a year. A YEAR! Hello, extra science classes I didn’t need. Ugh. I wish I had listened sooner.
“Go on the World Race.”
But I should finish school. That’s the smart thing to do. I’ll finish school and then go.
“No, go now.”
Cue wrench in life plan. I think it took me about three months to finally agree. As much as I wanted to do this-knew that I was called to do this-it was super inconvenient. Dropping out of school was never even an idea since the beginning of my life. School, job, career, life. That was the plan.
Sometimes following God isn’t convenient. It means you have to give up what you want now for what you trust is better later.
Life isn’t any different leading up to the Race and it won’t be any different when I leave in October. If life went as planned, how boring would that be?
So for now, I’m pressing into the awkward and uncomfortable and choosing to not run away. Facing my fears head on. I encourage you to do the same, whatever that may look like for you. Know that you’re not alone and know that I’m here if you need a push.
Sam
