With it being the end of another year, that can only mean one thing…reflection time! This past year has held many ups and downs that have included working with the homeless, creating a new family in Pittsburgh, sending a brother off to deployment, being a part of my “little sister’s” wedding, getting yet another tattoo and starting this thing called the World Race to name just a few. This past year holds many memories that are filled with laughter, tears and overall joy.
As I am writing this I have my Instagram open on my phone and I am simply scrolling through the photos that I have uploaded this past year. It is crazy to think that this is one of the main ways that my generation reflects back on where we have come from. I smile as I look back through the photos and the ways that the Lord has led me through the celebrations and challenges that I have faced. He will continue to do that as we enter the year 2017.
It would seem as I reflect on this past year, quite a bit of my growth and transformation has happened recently. Being on the race creates this unique space and opportunity for one to set aside time to really think through why and how you are the way you are.
It is hard to describe all the ways the Lord has had me grow in the past three months. It would seem the way I think, speak, and even love others has changed. Now, I don’t mean that I have changed dramatically or anything but I do think my desire to be more Christ-like has grown. It is exhausting a lot of the times but I have been told by my Heavenly Father that it is so worth it.
I have been in contact more and more with those back home this month due to having consistent wifi and have had several individuals comment on how I speak differently. They clarified right away that it was in a positive way of course and I am pointing it all back to the Lord. This leads into a story back in Nepal…
Story Time.
Last month in Nepal I participated in something called soul care. This is a time where you are given the opportunity to go through past wounds and see where the Lord was in those moments. There is one person asking spirit led questions, one writing down all of what is said and one other praying throughout the entire process. To be honest I have not fully processed through all of what happened during this time but I thought I would at least share some of what happened.
My teammate and friend Ali was in the role of being a prayer warrior during this time. She had several thoughts and visions come to her. One of these stood out to me above the rest and has been something that I have held onto during this month of hardship.
These are her words that describe what she saw of me…”You’re in an old garage and there is a car covered with a tarp. It’s very dusty and has been sitting for so long. You rip off the cover and dust flies everywhere. You have this mischievous look on your face as you stare at this ravishing red old mustang. You are so excited to take it out and finally feel FREE.”
I could not stop smiling after she told this vision because this is EXACTLY how I have felt during the race. Many people may not know this but I have this love for fast cars and motorcycles and it astounds me that the Lord spoke to me through that love! There is this transformation that is happening within my soul and there is this newfound confidence that is coming through. Yes, there are still times when I am shy and don’t want to be the first to speak but I am learning that is ok and to be led by the spirit.
I am entering the year of 2017 with a new found freedom in the Lord and I cannot wait to take this red vintage mustang out for a drive!
This time of year is one where people can really look down on themselves about what they didn’t do this past year BUT just think of the beautiful blessings you have in the fact that you woke up today with another opportunity to do those things! These don’t have to big adventurous things either but rather could be as simple as reaching out to those in need or a loved one whom you haven’t talked to in quite awhile. Or it could be to improve your prayer life or join that bible study you have been thinking about. The list is endless but remember to take it one step at a time and realize that you are only human! How about we pick one thing and see how the Lord can use that in the new year of 2017? I am writing this challenge to you as much as I am writing it to myself.
I cannot wait to see what this next year holds for my life because there is quite a bit of unknown ahead. I may know what countries I will be in but I have no idea what I will be doing or who I will be with. I also have no clue what holds for me back in America and that scares me to death BUT I am learning to slowly let go and just TRUST in HIM. Because guess what? He’s got this. He always has and always will.
Put your TRUST in Him in the year 2017. Now let’s take a ride in that mustang and see where we will go!
