I have come a long way.
Believe it or not, it is true. Looking back at this past year, I see a man of God who challenged the status quo and sought after adventure wherever he could find it. I see a servant who jumped at opportunities to serve this weary world with his rugged hands and blistered feet. I see a student who learned valuable lessons all over the world. I see a traveller who journeyed far and wide and embraced countless breathtaking moments along the way.
See, I have come a long way.
I travelled…..a lot. In our solar system, I travelled around the sun, that’s 584 million miles, but a lot just happened being on planet earth. I was on 2 Continents this year and traversed 7 countries. I did this with 42 amazing people who are more family than friends these days. I walked millions of steps and drove thousands of miles. I ate strange foods like scorpions and termites, and used all manners of currency to purchase it with. I slept in hostels, but also in tents and hammocks when I had to. I rode in all kinds of boats and flew around the world. I experienced culture shock in so many ways, but in it fell in love with the places I journeyed to.
See, I have come a long way.
Personally I did some nifty things this past year. I read the Bible backwards (if reading it the right way wasn’t hard enough). I recorded 3 new songs, and there are more to come. And Hey! I even won a dance contest. I surfed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. I went caving underground for 2 hours and never thought I would see the surface again, but I did. I wrote a plethora of blogs that had more views than I could have ever dreamed of. I fell in love, had my heart broken, healed, and moved on. Oh and I turned 25, a quarter century old.
See, I have come a long way.
I learned many lessons along the way as well. I learned “hello” in 6 languages and learned all types of greetings for people. I learned the value of loving others well and that community is a powerful thing to have around you. I learned to wash pigs on a pig farm and learned to ride a motorcycle (Shhh, don’t tell my mom, she will kill me). I learned I don’t need a position or title to be a leader amongst my peers. I learned the value of giving in a new way. I learned to put myself out there and understand there is grace when I mess up. And I gained valuable knowledge spiritually and learned more of my gifts from God.
See, I have come a long way.
I did ministry throughout the year that impacted so many different lives. I led worship for hundreds of people. Ministered to thousands worldwide and met hundreds of outstanding missionaries who inspire me to continue pushing forward. I gave my belongings from my apartment to a family in need. I visited churches worldwide and helped fight against human trafficking. I played with street kids, orphans, and all types of children all over the world (and yes, they have my heart and they are not letting go). I helped with a missionary retreat to provide a place for missionaries to rest while off the field. I even embraced my servant-like characteristics and my giving heart.
See, I have come a long way.
I could go on and on, there are so many things that made this year amazing, incredible, and unforgettable. I did not even mention the hundreds of movies I watched or the thousands of songs I listened to. All the crazy conversations with friends and laughing for hours. I cooked amazing food for people and I embraced more of my inner hipster. Oh and I did not find that special girl to spend the rest of my life with, but that is ok, I got high hopes for 2016.
From the biggest things to the smallest, I have come so far since this time last year. I have been challenged, changed, and molded into a better person. No one will convince me otherwise. To those who say I was unproductive, or didn’t have enough awards….look back at the lists above. The people, the places, the conversations, the lessons learned, these are awards to me. They are memories that will last forever. A trophy just gathers dust, what we do with our lives echoes into eternity. I have come a long way, and I am not afraid to say so.
If you are reading this, then know you have come a long way also. It may look different from my journey, but you have had a uniquely impacted year. Look back and see the mighty things that have been done, and if you are at a loss for where to start just remember….You made it around the sun one more time, and that is a great place to start!!
