Right now, I'm season-confused.
A taste of Race life: It's currently July, a traditionally summer month. But we're in the middle of an African winter. And somehow, the feeling of the atmosphere is autumn. My body is going to be so perplexed when I touch down in Raleigh in a little over a week. (I got teary when I typed that sentence. And I may have had a mini panic attack)
What do I mean by saying that it feels like autumn? Well, besides the fact that the temperature lately has been in the high-60s/low-70s (typical Raleigh fall weather), I just have that fall feeling. That feeling of changing seasons. An anticipation that comes with the chill fall air and thoughts of football games, leaf piles, hot cider, pumpkin everything, and of course, my birthday. But at the same time, I always feel a little sad that summer is coming to an end. For the past few years, I've worked at summer camps with kids, which are intensely fun and bring back sweet memories of my childhood. Every summer holds so much activity, yet also seems to have a relaxed feel. Kind of like the Race. I've allowed God to use me as a tool this year, and have had so many incredible experiences. And while there have definitely been months where it's hard to catch my breath, most of the time I have a lot of time to process, draw, read, pray, and create solid relationships with my team and squad.
And now, the Race is in the final stretch. I'm changing seasons. I'm incredibly sad and nostalgic. I spent at least four hours this week watching video clips from the entire Race…get ready for a kick-butt and tear-jerker summary video (okay, maybe I'll be the only one crying, but you can sit with me and at least pretend). I feel like I've had the most epic time of my life these past 11 months. Sure, there have been tough times and months where I just wanted to go home, but this season has been full to bursting with life, growth, and amazing memories. This "summer season" has been jam-packed with everything under the sun, and it's sad that I have to say goodbye to it.
But? I'm also really anticipating the next season. Even though I have NO CLUE what's next, I know it'll be something amazing. Every day when I'm working outside, I can almost smell that autumn scent. The one that means change and gives you a little shiver down your spine. I feel like God's telling me, "Beloved, I've given you an amazing summer season, one you'll treasure for the rest of your life. But you know the seasons have to change. Otherwise there'd be no growth. So trust Me through the change. Just relax and enjoy some hot cider while I unveil My plan for your next season."
Life on this earth reflects the spiritual realm. We all go through seasons, and these seasons change. So whether you're in a winter season where it seems like everything's frozen and stagnant, or in spring when everything's new and fresh, God is working through that season. As hard as it is to come to terms with the Race ending, I know that each season of my life will bring growth, laughter, tears, good times, times of pressing in, and above all, greater dependence on the Creator of all seasons. So break out that cider; I'm ready for autumn!
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:3-11
