Preconceived notions… They can get us into trouble if we let our minds carry us away with them. That almost happened to me…
Before coming on the World Race, there were so many fears that stemmed from preconceived notions and assumptions… And, as they say, to assume is to… well, you know…! 😉 I experienced fear in a way I never had before; it was gripping.
I feared dying in a plane or bus crash… I feared being kidnapped and ransomed… I feared awkward moments with strangers… I even feared not being able to “eat healthy and workout” for fear that my body would breakdown!
My active imagination took possible disasters to new levels! In fact, it was difficult for me to have normal conversations because fear was always present… These fears almost kept me from departing on the Race!
Well, now that we’ve been out of the US for more than a month, my eyes have been opened… Those things I once feared aren’t even on my radar. In fact, most of them seem ridiculous to even worry about!
I know I’ve mentioned my struggle with fear before, but God has really been teaching me about it in this season of my life… And, I know there is a LOT of fear in America, some of which is based on preconceived notions, that keeps well-meaning people from doing GREAT things!
After nearly 3 weeks in Cambodia, I’ve adjusted to life here… Ordinary things that once used to scare me are now just a part of life…
Riding in the back of a pickup truck with 5 or more people is just a logical way to get around!
Eating whatever you find on your plate (even if you don’t know what it is) is nourishment for your day!
Feeling hot, sticky, smelly, and sweaty while working, with no showers for days is just a fact. Uncomfortable? Yes. Unmanageable? No!
Teaching children and youth who know very little, if any English is still a great way to build beautiful relationships!
Enduring mosquito bites with an insatiable itch on your feet is actually bearable!
And so, I’ve learned that God’s grace is so sufficient for us! It is bigger than all our worries and fears! And, there is so much joy in the midst of serving!
Joy in knowing you can handle whatever enters your life each day…Joy in learning how to be family and love those who rub you the wrong way or push your buttons simply because they are on your team and experiencing life with you… Joy while experiencing hunger, pain, homesickness, illness, awkward moments… There is joy!
So, my encouragement to you: Don’t let fear get the best of you! If there is something you dream of doing; someplace you want to go; someone you want to be; GO FOR IT! There will be joy in the midst of it! It is a big world, but we serve a BIG GOD!
So begin your Great Adventure!
