Maybe you haven’t experienced the shock, sting and squishiness of a banana peel slapping across your face, but I am sure after reading this you will be wanting to try it on the next victim you see fit. This is a common occurrence here in Albania. I am not sure of its origin (besides our squad leader Chelsea) but it’s spreading like wild fire amongst us world racers. You see it happens when you aren’t expecting it, like most things in life. You are just walking along, minding your own business and next thing you know a slimy banana peel smacks you in the face. Since being on the World Race, it’s not only banana peels slapping me in the face. God has been smacking me around as well, in the very best way. It’s funny how sometimes the smallest things or the things we have heard a million times can just hit us in the face as if it’s the first time. Something God has been challenging me with lately is thankfulness. Such a small thing some might say, but such a vital thing to have in life and especially while on this journey. Honestly, it slips through my life without making an appearance too often. I will admit it has been easier to think of the things I don’t have lately than the things I do have. That didn’t last long though; God was quick to slap that out of me. I was reading my Jesus Calling devo (mom should be proud) and it was on
thankfulness, with a banana slap to follow. Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust. The more I trust in Him the more gratitude I should have. When thankfulness flows from our lips, the gratitude draws us closer to Him. Thankfulness awakens our awareness of His blessings, promises and dependence on God. More importantly than that, thankfulness opens the door to God’s presence. WOW. Isn’t that what we all want? We want His presence. But I will be the first to admit that a thankful heart isn’t always my first approach to achieving that. I want His presence, I need His presence, and without His presence my reason for living and being here is void. That’s the stinger. Let that just sink into your heart as a red mark remains on your face after a good slap. I was quick to repent for not being proactive at practicing the discipline of thankfulness and even quicker to change it almost instantly. I want His presence. The more I am in His presence the more I can have an authentic love for Him and the more like Him I can become. My favorite quote from my devo was “It is impossible to be inauthentic when you are focused on His presence.”
After all that I felt the need to just sneak away and have some alone worship time. It was dark and I went out to the swings (I am such a kid at heart). I just looked up at the stars; how beautiful and bright they are. As I was swinging and soaking Him in, I looked up and saw the big dipper! Now, I am well aware that it’s the same sky all over the world, but in that moment I felt so close to home. I was looking up at the same big dipper that I had back in the states. It’s funny how the things that you didn’t care about become important when you are away. As I gazed at it, I felt the Lord reminding me how He is everywhere. He is working all over the world, not just here or at home. His presence can be accessed anytime, anywhere, by anyone who wants it. God is so much bigger than we imagine.
If you feel far away today or alone, just stop and look up at the stars and be reminded of the greatness of our God. Be encouraged that the same God who made those stars made you and cares for you too.
I am so thankful for these moments with Him and even more thankful for my family, supporters and friends who made this possible. Thank you.
