“While we are all on a journey through life, it takes a kingdom journey to make us into the man or woman God wants us to be. It might start out as nothing but the urge to escape. We might feel claustrophobic, trapped, and just want out. Remember how middle school felt? That’s what I’m talking about.” – Seth Barnes, Kingdom Journeys
I’m ready. Bags packed. Vaccinations given. Loose ends tied up. I’m ready to begin this adventure! After finishing Kingdom Journeys last week, I have never felt more unsure and unprepared for what lies ahead yet so excited to find out! I leave in 2 weeks. 2 WEEKS! I feel like I’ve been planning for this since the earth began and it is finally here!! My adventurous spirit is fully alive and roaring…proof of this: coming home from Texas last weekend. I was secretly hoping they would ask me to give up my seat on the plane from Atlanta to Wilmington just so I could stay the night in Atlanta and have a grand ol’ adventure. Now, more than ever am I feeling the weight of the gift of restlessness. (Thank you Seth Barnes for helping me understand this and so much more through your book Kingdom Journeys!! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone of every age & stage of life. It will change your perspective on sooo many things!!) While I used to be afraid of the unknown, unstructured way of life, now I say BRING IT ON! Somehow there’s a sense of excitement about sleeping on an airport floor, meeting other people in transit, abandoning all I know and following Jesus around the world.
With all that being said, my trip to Texas was wonderful and exactly what I needed. No plans, no agenda, no expectations besides spending time with my good friends, Amanda and Matt. They are a beautiful, newlywed couple who both really love God and love each other well. It was fun to see them interact and serve one another. While there, we had some great theological conversations, spontaneous bible studies and prayer times, and met some fun people along the way. One of these people, Sarah, was a 16-year-old girl who worked at a Christian bookstore. She overheard Amanda and I talking about our favorite books and joined the conversation, recommending some books she had read recently. We were both so moved by here genuine faith in God and love for Jesus at such a young age and spoke words of encouragement to her. A few moments later, a 50-something year old lady walked by and said to us “it is so refreshing and wonderful to see you young girls talking about Jesus. It really is.” I love the ripple effect that happened here. God used Sarah to encourage Amanda & I and in turn He used us to encourage the older lady. Two things I realized in that moment: you never know who is watching you and you are never too young to influence someone for Christ.
What a great lesson to learn before embarking upon this journey. People will be watching us. I’m sure this year will contain many difficult circumstances, rough emotional patches and downright uncomfortable situations but people will still be watching our lives in these times. Advice from former racers is “choose joy.” In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul says “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” People are watching you. If asked, what would they say about your life?
I would love to hear your thoughts & comments! 
