Note To Self

Note to self. Ben Rector Style.

Your race is half way over.
I’ll let you take that in for a second.
It has flown by.
Long days and short months they say.

Adjusting to a culture and right when you start to feel comfortable its time to pack your bag and head for the next country.

Learn the new currency exchange rates. Find out what is culturally appropriate. (I know being left handed is difficult in Asia) Attempt the language with simple phrases like hello and thank you. Figure out what ministry looks like and the living conditions. Fall in love with the people. Spread the Gospel anyway possible. Move forward.

Remember month one and how difficult it was? Your niece was born. Your team was not clicking. It was hot and the water worked only when it wanted too. You could not bare to think about 11 months trying to survive.

Then month two happened. Alot of tears. Alot of growth. Your team began to press in and fight for each other. You learned how to take everything to the Lord because He listens to you.

You look back at the last five months and all you can do is smile. Smile at the growth in your relationship with the Lord. The growth in your relationships with friends.You smile at the memories made. From the pile up at the bottom of an escalator in Miami to just this morning when Talya and you tried to go running but you were locked in the apartments. Thank you for the security Myanmar.

The lust, comparison and independence you have walked out of due to Gods grace. The relationships back home that you have said goodbye to because you know they are not healthy. You have come so far, yet you have 5 and half months left to dig deeper into your identity in Christ. To say yes to community living and new cultures. To walk so far out of lust, comparison and independence that when you say those words your heartbeat no longer speeds up.

Note to self.

You know self-defense, how to paint walls and murals, lay floor, and teach english so if the social work field does not work out for you…there are other options.
Say yes to quality time but continue working on your Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) problems. Rest is good too.
You have lived with 9 t-shirts, 4 tank tops, 5 pairs of pants and 3 shorts for 5 1/2 months. You do not need more clothes.
Prepare yourself for travel days (or multiple days) with melatonin, books, movies and music.
Continue working on/using your spiritual gifts.
Dance and sing in public with your friends. (Be aware you already stick out though because you are a foreigner.)
Remember that people who have little will give you all they have.

Continue having Jesus time everyday because you know that the more time you spend with Him the more you are able to spend with others. (Introvert problems)
Listen to His voice and not your selfish ambitions.
Love your new team even when it is hard.
Embrace the bucket showers, sleeping pad, and the food you may have to choke down.
Don’t Waste A Day. (Look at your bracelet)
Plans after the race will happen after the race. (Isaacs and Ishmaels)
Continue working on Holy Spirit Pauses.
Let your heart break for what Jesus’ does.
Remember the views and people you have encountered. God was the artist of those.
Pray when you wake up. Pray while you are running. While you eat. Spend everyday in prayer.
Take what you have learned about yourself and work on it.
Continue holiday traditions even if you are not with your family.
Give yourself grace if you need to splurge a little on coffee…just don’t do it everyday.
Check in with your family. Just so they know you are alive and doing well.
When days are hard, lean on your community and God.
Remind yourself of His promises.

This is your race. Continue running after the Lord.